The [Cleveland Browns](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns) desperately need a playmaker. After scoring the second-fewest points per game in 2025 and watching top wideout Jerry Jeudy tie for No. 2 in dropped passes, upgrading the receiver room is mandatory.
GM Andrew Berry has stated more than once this offseason that he intends to “heavily invest” in the offense. The problem is that he’ never drafted an impactful WR, making this evaluation vital.
Before the talent hits the field for drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, let’s look at my top 5 ranked wide receivers that the Browns need to be targeting.
**More:** ['Deshaun Watson isn't relevant': Damien Woody's brutal prediction for Browns QB job](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/deshaun-watson-isnt-relevant-damien-woody-shedeur-sanders/101f4fa439ff689ba47bec24)
**5\. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (6’2”, 213-lbs)**
Sarratt boasts incredible hands and a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. His massive red-zone production and contested catch ability makes him a reliable target. The National Champion lacks top-end speed and struggles to separate against physical press-man coverage. Intriguing size with plenty of upside.
**4\. Makai Lemon, (5’11”, 195-lbs)**
Lemon is an instinctive receiver who wins with smooth route running and exceptional lateral agility. He dominates short areas and can make plays at all three levels. Needs to improve strength to battle pro level press coverage. Lemon’s smaller frame likely limits him primarily to the slot.
**3\. Malachai Fields, Notre Dame (6’4”, 218-lbs)**
Fields offers a prototypical X-receiver frame with elite strength to dominate contested jump balls. His massive catch radius makes him a nightmare to tackle. Fields does lack explosive acceleration and struggles to create natural separation.
**2\. Denzel Boston, Washington (6’4”, 210-lbs)**
Boston pairs a towering frame with excellent ball-tracking skills and outstanding hand strength. He accelerates smoothly off the line and wins consistently in the red zone. His linear release off the snap makes him vulnerable to press coverage.
**1\. Carnell Tate, Ohio State (6’3”, 195-lbs)**
Tate is a polished, fluid route runner who brings phenomenal body control to the catch point. He possesses the speed to threaten defenses deep. His leaner frame can occasionally be bullied by physical cornerbacks.
_\*Notable exemption - I didn’t include Jordyn Tyson because for me, his injury history is too big of a risk to take with a premier pick._
The Bottom line to me is that Tate represents the cream of the crop in this deep WR draft class. If the Buckeye is still available at No. 6, then the Browns should sprint to the podium and keep him in Ohio.
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