The role of Donovan Peoples-Jones in Cleveland

What is the role that former University of Michigan wide receiver and sixth-round draft pick Donovan Peoples-Jones will play in Cleveland?

The Cleveland Browns decided to make Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones the 187th overall pick in the NFL Draft Saturday. While there are many who are excited about his potential, some perspective is required when considering his contributions.

Starting off, Peoples-Jones should be able to be a solid return man for the Browns. Peoples-Jones has been able to make some plays in the return game while at Michigan and should help bolster a return unit that was hardly inspiring in Cleveland last season. The difficult part of the transition for Peoples-Jones will be on the offensive side of the ball.

There are lot of people who blame the performance of Donovan Peoples-Jones on the lackluster quarterback play and the offense of Jim Harbaugh. While they do deserve some blame, Peoples-Jones does deserve some criticism as well. Peoples-Jones is not someone who is able to gain separation from a defender consistently. This shortcoming can make the difference between making a difference in a game and being a complete non-factor.

Making the leap from college to the NFL will only provide more problems. Things will not get easier for Peoples-Jones in the NFL. In fact, they will become exponentially more difficult. Defensive backs in the NFL are all around better players than those Peoples-Jones faced in college. Even in the hypothetical situation where Peoples-Jones is playing alongside Odell Beckham Jr, and Jarvis Landry, it will still be extremely difficult to get open.

It is possible that Donovan Peoples-Jones does contribute somewhat in the passing game, but the return game is where the focus should be. The Browns need a good returner and that could be Peoples-Jones.