26. Cleveland Browns: Terrace Marshall, Jr., WR, LSU
This choice will not go over well with fans in the Dawg Pound, but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad pick.
Cleveland Browns fans have become enamored with their wide receivers, despite seeing them struggle mightily in their loss to Kansas City. In that game, the Browns couldn’t beat man coverage and while Jarvis Landry has been a great option for them, he managed just 20 yards on seven receptions. On top of that, he and Odell Beckham are quickly approaching 30 and OBJ is coming off a torn ACL.
Behind them is Rashard Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones, who are both solid but not future No. 1 wideouts. In an effort to get younger, and more explosive, the Browns grab Terrace Marshall, Jr. from LSU with the 26th pick. Marshall averaged more than 100-yards per catch in 2020 after moving into the No. 1 role following the departure of Justin Jefferson to the NFL and Ja’Marr Chase’s decision to opt-out.
In addition to his ability to get deep, Marshall offers more size than other options in Cleveland. He might not be the No. 1 guy this season, but he could be by 2022.
Going offense here will also be controversial since the defense was so bad last season. However, general manager Andrew Berry has done a tremendous job filling nearly every hole which will allow him to get the best player at this spot, and that happens to be Marshall.