CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns selected Michigan receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones 187th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft Saturday.
In a stacked receiver class, Peoples-Jones fell all the way to the sixth round where the Browns sought value and potential lightning in a bottle.
“It’s been tough,” Peoples-Jones said of the wait. “Never really imagined this but I’m so blessed and so grateful for the Browns selecting me and believing in me.”
The drop to day three is something he doesn’t plan to forget.
“It is a long list,” Peoples-Jones said. “I am definitely going to remember that.”
Peoples-Jones started 26 of the 37 games he appeared in at Michigan where he totaled 2,123 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns, two of those were punt returns for score.
“With Donovan, we got a player that has played outside and inside. I think there is versatility with this player in terms of where you can play him in the formation,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said.
Cleveland made the pick with the understanding Peoples-Jones isn’t a finished product, and they admit inconsistencies with catching the ball will be a point of emphasis to correct as he comes in to compete for reps.
“His numbers do jump off the page at you, and we all know that,” Stefanski said. “It is our job and his job to get everything we can out of him if we want to get the best version of Donovan Peoples-Jones.”
The critics say Peoples-Jones underachieved at Michigan where he finished with just 1,327 yards receiving but he also dealt with a carousel at quarterback over three years.
“I don’t think that’s a fair criticism,” Peoples-Jones said. “I did what I could when I had the opportunity.”
An explosive player for the Wolverines with the ball in his hands, Peoples-Jones had 28 plays of over 20 yards in his three-year college career.
He ranks second all-time in Michigan history in career punt returns with 89 and return yards, 743.
“Having return ability and having a history in the return game helps,” Stefanski said. “I do think he has the physical skillset to be a special teamer. There is a lot this kid can do. Then, it is going to be a matter of him showing it to us.”
The selection of Peoples-Jones provides the Browns with a young receiver to develop behind Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
“I feel excited to play with players like Baker and Odell and Jarvis,” Peoples-Jones said. “They’re really good players and I can come in and soak up all the information from them.”
Peoples-Jones already has a head start.
The receiver spoke prior to the draft with Landry about how to prepare and what to expect coming into the NFL and he plans to be a sponge once he’s able to get to Berea.
“I love competition. Personally, I rise when the competition rises,” Peoples-Jones said. “Those are two of the best receivers in the NFL. I am so thankful for this opportunity to come to Cleveland. I really can’t wait.”
