Donovan Peoples-Jones continues his roller coaster rookie training camp

DPJ made the play of the day but once again left practice early on Thursday

Donovan Peoples-Jones often left Michigan Wolverines fans wondering if he was a standout or a disappointment. A highly-touted recruit, Peoples-Jones never quite put it all together in his three years in Ann Arbor.

Just when fans felt great about the 6-2, 212-pound speedster after a great play, he’d disappear for a half. A three-TD week would be followed by one catch for 10 yards. The lack of consistently living up to lofty expectations is part of why Peoples-Jones fell to the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

For his first few weeks in Cleveland, it’s been more of the same. Thursday’s training camp is a great example of the roller coaster that is “DPJ”.

First, the thrilling climb. Peoples-Jones made the play of the day in Thursday’s training camp session, torching CB Robert Jackson deep and showing soft hands in hauling in Case Keenum’s bomb down the field. A rolling somersault was a fitting end to such a great play.

It highlights the entire Peoples-Jones package: speed, length, strength, concentration.

But the roller coaster must go down the hill, and it did on Thursday. Quickly. For the second time this week, Peoples-Jones left practice early with assistance from a trainer. While the Browns have yet to comment on Thursday’s departure — he is not on their injury report — Saturday’s early exit was from dehydration.

Just when he was about to seize momentum and give the Browns a thrilling ride, the chain breaks on the lift and the ride stops. He’s earned some first-team WR reps in camp and didn’t look out of place based on the live stream and the reactions to it. Yet he’s also had some bad reps in his audition to be the Browns’ punt returner and can’t seem to stay on the field when it’s hot out. It’s an unfortunate roller coaster loop for the smart, skilled Donovan Peoples-Jones.