The Cleveland Browns had hoped they had solved their returner woes this offseason with the signing of WR Jakeem Grant. Grant’s ability in the return game made him very valuable to the team while also having a chance to be a part of the offense as a slot receiver in creative ways. Grant’s Achilles injury took him out for the season and left return duties up in the air.
Earlier this week, HC Kevin Stefanski was mum on who would return punts and kicks. While there didn’t seem to be a lot of benefit to hiding that information, some wondered if there would be a surprise candidate.
Thursday afternoon, special teams coach Mike Priefer ended that mystery by saying that RB turned WR Demetric Felton would be the returner and WR Donovan Peoples-Jones would back him up:
#Browns special teams coordinator Mike Priefer is confident Demetric Felton will be successful as the kick and punt returner. pic.twitter.com/kmvkmLRLvR
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) September 8, 2022
Felton’s elusive running style fits well in the return game but vision and feel for blocks are something that can’t be measured. Priefer feels comfortable that the second-year pro has learned a lot from last season and is ready to go.
Peoples-Jones has a different style of running. An upright, straight-line receiver, the former Michigan star will be more of a one-cut-and-go type of returner compared to the shifty Felton.
Despite the loss of Grant, Cleveland still needs some production on special teams to help keep the battle of field position on their side.
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