INDIANAPOLIS – Kevin Stefanski’s offense in Minnesota used three-receiver formations just 25 percent of the time. The Vikings were the only team in the NFL under 36 percent on such formations.
In Cleveland, Stefanski has a couple of workhorse receivers on Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, who were both in the top 10 for receiver snap counts in 2019 (Beckham was second with 1,017). Due to all that, I wrote in January how finding a No. 3 receiver probably isn’t high on the Browns’ priority list.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t use TCU receiver Jalen Reagor. His versatility and speed bring comparisons to Tyreek Hill. Reagor is a fan of the Chiefs receiver, and said Tuesday at the NFL combine that he watches film of Hill every day.
Here are four reasons the Browns might consider using a draft pick on Reagor.
1. Versatility
Stefanski likes versatile offensive players. That’s why so many of his formations use a fullback and multiple tight ends. Players who can do multiple things make life hard on a defense.
Reagor is that kind of player. At 5-10, 206, he looks like a cross between a slot receiver and a running back (Duke Johnson is listed at 5-9, 210), but he has 4.2 speed.
“I played running back, I played a little bit of quarterback and I’m a return specialist, so I can pretty much do it all,” Reagor said Tuesday at the combine.
“My versatility (is a strong point). I mean my size, I’m a very quick receiver, very fast. You can use me anywhere on the field. Put me in the backfield and just do everything. And when you can do everything in the NFL, I mean, you’re pretty valuable.”
At TCU, Reagor caught 148 passes for 2,248 yards and 22 TDs over three seasons. That included 2018, his best year, when he had 72 catches for 1,061 yards and nine scores. He also averaged 13.1 yards on 13 carries with two TDs that year.
With a new quarterback last season, his numbers dipped to 43 catches for 611 yards, but he still led the Horned Frogs in receiving and highlight plays.
Reagor is the kind of receiver Stefanski can move around a formation and line up in the backfield, which is something we’ve seen the Browns do with Beckham and Landry.
2. Injuries
Beckham had core muscle surgery on Jan. 21. Landry had hip surgery Feb. 4. It’s unclear how long the rehab will be for the Browns’ top two receivers, or how much either will be able to participate in offseason workouts.
The rest of the receiver room is filled with inexperience and not much production of note. Rashard Higgins is headed toward free agency, and will definitely cost more to keep than a receiver on a rookie deal.
3. He returns punts
The Browns haven’t had a dangerous punt returner since Travis Benjamin in 2015. Jabrill Peppers didn’t live up to the hype, and Antonio Callaway returned just five punts. Dontrell Hilliard was the main returner last season, and his 7.1-yard average was 21st among those with at least 10 returns (he had 15).
Perhaps Reagor turns things around. His 20.8-yards per punt return was second in the nation last season. He returned one punt for a touchdown, and also returned a handful of kickoffs each of his three seasons at TCU.
When I asked Reagor Tuesday what makes him a good punt returner, he said: “You can be as close as you want to me, as (close) as this mic, and I’ll probably make you miss. Being a returner is about making the first guy miss.”
4. Speed. Speed. Speed.
Reagor was clocked by his coaches at 4.29 in the 40. He’s expected to have one of the fastest 40 times at the combine this week.
Actually, Reagor could have one of those electric combine workouts that get people talking. A long jumper in high school, Reagor could also have big performances in the broad jump, vertical jump and three-cone drill.
Teams will need to decide how well all that athletic ability will translate to the NFL. Reagor, though, is confident.
“I’m a big play waiting to happen,” Reagor said. “I can make something happen in situations you might not think I can and I’m coming to make an immediate impact."
5. A deep WR class could push him to the Browns
It wouldn’t be surprising for five or six receivers to be drafted in the first round this year. It’s that kind of class. Reagor could be among those first-rounders.
I’ve seen a mock draft with Reagor going 15th to the Broncos, and another with him going 40th to the Cardinals, one spot ahead of the Browns in the second round.
But Andrew Berry said on Tuesday that the Browns will be aggressive in pursuing players they think can improve the team. Maybe Reagor is a player that puts that philosophy into action.
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