The Cleveland Browns are still evaluating their wide receiver depth chart, and former third-round pick David Bell finds himself in a difficult position heading into training camp.
Bell, selected No. 99 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to carve out a meaningful role in Cleveland’s offense. Over three seasons, he’s tallied just 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns.
Bell’s 2023 campaign was derailed early. After being waived in early September — a move strategically timed by the Browns to reduce the risk of another team claiming him — he cleared waivers and rejoined the practice squad.
He was elevated to the active roster for a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars but suffered a dislocated hip and was carted off the field, ending his season prematurely.
Browns WR Jamari Thrash Making Strong Impression
With the injury behind him, there appears to be opportunity behind No. 1 receiver Jerry Jeudy, but Bell isn’t the only player vying for a spot. Second-year receiver Jamari Thrash is making a strong push to earn a larger role, according to cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto.
“The Browns are looking for receivers behind Jerry Jeudy. Cedric Tillman would be No. 2 right now. Based on the spring practices, Thrash has emerged as No. 3,” Pluto said. “He played 142 snaps last season and caught only three passes. They believe he’s made major progress heading into his second pro year.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski echoed those sentiments, praising Thrash for his growth and versatility this offseason.
“He’s had a really strong spring,” Stefanski said. “He’s here all the time working on his body. Very intelligent player—he can line up in multiple positions, which I think is valuable. And he’s caught the ball well. The quarterbacks like how he gets open. He finds a way to get open against zone and man coverage.”
Diontae Johnson Also in Mix for Browns
The wild card in the Browns’ wide receiver room is former Pro Bowler Diontae Johnson, who signed with Cleveland this offseason on a non-guaranteed veteran minimum deal.
Johnson is looking to resurrect his career after a turbulent 2024 campaign. The veteran wideout was traded twice — first from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Carolina Panthers, then to the Baltimore Ravens. He was ultimately waived by both Baltimore and the Houston Texans, finishing the season with just 33 catches for 375 yards.
Despite the down year, Johnson brings intriguing upside to Cleveland’s offense. At his best, he was one of the league’s most reliable route-runners, tallying over 1,000 yards in 2021 with Pittsburgh. Now 28, Johnson is hoping to rediscover that form and prove he still belongs. Motivation won’t be an issue.
“I had been home ever since and I was just hoping that I got something,” Johnson told cleveland.com. “Cleveland called and I was thankful. They’re the only team that called the whole offseason. It humbled me though.”
The Browns will begin sorting out their receiving depth chart when training camp opens on July 22. Their first preseason test comes Aug. 8 against the Panthers, one of Johnson’s many former teams from last year.
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