CLEVELAND — The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up on Sunday with defensive backs taking the field at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five takeaways for the Cleveland Browns following one of the biggest weeks of the NFL offseason.
Receiver riches
While the NFL Scouting Combine is a week-long affair, the highlight of the event came last Thursday night. That was when the draft's wide receivers hit the field for their official workouts, many of which helped strengthen the perception of a receiver class already considered to be strong.
Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Alec Pierce, Christian Watson and Skyy Moore were among the receivers who seemingly boosted their draft stock between their measurements and on-field workouts. The strong showing by the wideouts is particularly noteworthy for the Browns, whose biggest need of the offseason appears to be at receiver.
While many have forecasted Cleveland to use its first pick -- No. 13 overall -- on a wideout, the depth in this year's class could alter those plans. Either way, as far as the Browns are concerned, the more good wide receiver prospects in this year's class, the better.
WR U?
While waiting to take a receiver later in the draft is certainly now in play for Cleveland, the possibility of the Browns drafting a wide receiver at 13 remains strong. And if that's the case, Cleveland's might not have to look far to find its man.
During a wide receiver workout with no shortage of impressive performances, Ohio State's Wilson and Olave stood out as arguably the two best. Wilson exceeded expectations with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, while Olave posted an also impressive 4.39.
Considering their production in Columbus, both Wilson and Olave were each already in the conversation to be the first wide receiver taken in this year's draft. Their showings in Indianapolis -- coupled with a disappointing performance by Arkansas' Treylon Burks -- has only strengthened that possibility, leaving some question as to whether either Buckeye will still be on the board when the Browns make their pick at 13.
A plethora of pass rushers
If the Browns don't use the No. 13 pick on a wide receiver, perhaps the safest bet is that they will use it on a defensive end. And while Cleveland is currently picking too late to have a realistic chance at Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson or Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Scouting Combine offered the opportunity for some of the draft's less-heralded pass rushers to shine.
In that regard, Georgia's Travon Walker and Michigan's David Ojabo each made the most of their time in Indianapolis and could conceivably be in play for the Browns at 13. And while Purdue's George Karlaftis didn't run in the 40-yard dash, he otherwise possesses the measurables that would appear to be attractive to Cleveland's front office?
What about the quarterbacks?
Publicly, the Browns have remained committed to Baker Mayfield, but many also believe that Cleveland will consider all of its options at the quarterback position this offseason. As far as the draft is concerned, however, that's appearing to be a less likely avenue for the Browns, especially after this past week in Indy.
While Liberty's Malik Willis seemingly improved his draft stock at the combine, he was one of the few quarterbacks to do so, weakening the perception of an already weak class at the position. At this point, taking a quarterback at No. 13 feels like an even bigger stretch for Cleveland than it did a week ago, leaving trades and free agency as its most likely paths to improving its quarterback room.
Odds and ends
- Browns general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski each remained publicly committed Mayfield during their combine press conferences, although Berry didn't rule out adding competition to Cleveland's quarterbacks' room.
- At this point, it seems likely the Browns will place either a franchise tag or transitional tag on tight end David Njoku, who is a pending free agent. The deadline to do so is 3 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
- The Browns don't have an immediate need at cornerback, but UTSA's Tariq Woolen stood out as one of the biggest risers at the combine, with the converted wide receiver running a 4.26 40-yard dash.
- Based on Berry's comments, a split between Cleveland and Jarvis Landry appears to be a matter of not "if," but "when."