The Cleveland Browns have had some very important turnover on their roster this offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The team moved on from WR Jarvis Landry, TE Austin Hooper, OL J.C. Tretter and QB Case Keenum. QB Baker Mayfield could be next out the door.
The wide receiver room lost Odell Beckham Jr. during the season last year but replaced him in the offseason by trading for Amari Cooper.
While the Browns hope that Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz can step up into more important roles, replacing Landry in the slot might fall on two newcomers.
First, Jakeem Grant was mostly signed for his return ability but could help in the passing game as well. Second, David Bell was drafted in the third round for his consistency and ability to play as a slot receiver at the NFL level.
While Grant missed last week’s OTAs and the start of mandatory minicamp due to an injury, Bell has impressed many in attendance:
I'm not saying it hasn't happened and I was just focused elsewhere when it did, but through the five open #Browns practices I personally have not seen David Bell drop a single pass—not in position drills, not in 7 on 7s, not in full team drills. Not one. It's wild.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) June 14, 2022
David Bell still hasn’t dropped a pass. All summer. #Browns
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) June 14, 2022
In speaking to the media on Wednesday, Bell made sure to correct these reports noting that he dropped a ball when cameras were not present.
Our Josh Keatley noted Bell’s great hands shortly after the team drafted him. The former Purdue star lacks the dynamic athletic ability to thrive on the outside but his nuanced game bodes well for his chances to help replace Landry perhaps as soon as his rookie season.
Opportunity and talent could come together for Bell to be a surprise, long-shot candidate for offensive rookie of the year.