The Cleveland Browns are taking a closer look at their options at wide receiver ahead of their preseason opener.
Cleveland worked out seven free agents on Thursday, including receivers Romello Brinson, Stephon Johnson and Ben Patterson, according to the NFL transaction wire.
The Browns also brought in defensive tackle Evan Anderson, guard Joshua Gray, defensive back Jeadyn Lukus and offensive tackle Raiqwon O’Neal.
With three receivers included in the workout, Cleveland appears interested in adding more competition to a crowded but largely unproven position group. The Browns open their preseason schedule against the Chicago Bears on August 15.
Browns Look at 3 Young Receivers
GettyRomello Brinson of the Southern Methodist Mustangs reacts prior to a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Brinson is the most accomplished receiver among the three players Cleveland evaluated. The former SMU standout caught 43 passes for 638 yards and three touchdowns during his final college season. He averaged 14.8 yards per reception and produced a pair of 100-yard performances.
Johnson averaged 21.2 yards per catch during an injury-shortened final season at Houston, finishing with 13 receptions for 275 yards and two touchdowns in five games. He finished his college career with 69 receptions for 954 yards and seven touchdowns.
Patterson is the biggest target of the group at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. He initially signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent after finishing his career at Division II Texas-Permian Basin.
None of the three would enter Cleveland as a favorite to make the final roster. However, a strong showing during the remainder of training camp and the preseason could put any of them in consideration for a reserve role or practice-squad spot.
Browns Still Sorting Out Receiver Roles
The Browns overhauled their receiving corps after getting limited production from the passing game last season. Cleveland used high draft picks on KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, giving the offense two young playmakers to develop alongside Jerry Jeudy. Isaiah Bond also returns after catching 18 passes for 338 yards as a rookie.
Cedric Tillman, Tylan Wallace, Malachi Corley and Jamari Thrash are among the other receivers competing for roster spots.
Jeudy remains the established leader of the group, but the roles behind him are unsettled. Concepcion and Boston carry significant expectations and have made an early impression in camp. Bond flashed big-play potential last season but remains relatively unproven.
The Browns also recently lost some depth when rookie Aaron Anderson suffered an undisclosed injury. Cleveland opens the preseason against the Bears before hosting the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22 and the New England Patriots on Aug. 27.
Browns Eyeing New Receiver Ahead of Preseason Opener