Michigan Football: Donovan Peoples-Jones is a Cleveland Brown
By Ryan Kraus
Donovan Peoples-Jones is a Cleveland Brown after three years with Michigan football.
Donovan Peoples-Jones will be bringing his freaky athleticism and touchdown celebrations to the Dawg Pound after the former Michigan football standout was drafted Saturday.
The one-time 5-star recruit from Cass Tech was still on the board in the 6th round and the Cleveland Browns picked him.
Peoples-Jones decided to forego his last year of eligibility to enter the 2020 NFL Draft and realize his dream of playing in the NFL. In a draft loaded with talent at the wide receiver position, DPJ had to wait a while to hear his name called.
At the NFL combine, he put up some impressive numbers. He posted a 4.48 40 yard dash along with a 44.5 inch vertical. He has always been a freaky athlete and that was backed up by those numbers.
As a junior DPJ hauled in 34 catches for 438 yards and 6 TD’s. Those numbers dont scream game breaker but he was productive in an offense that liked to spread the ball around.
Here is what NFL analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about Donovan Peoples Jones ahead of the draft:
“Former five-star and top-rated receiver coming out of high school, Peoples-Jones failed to find the success and production expected over his three seasons at Michigan. His route tempo is sluggish, but he has some savvy and shortcuts footwork for out-breaking routes to the boundary. He doesn’t run well enough to play outside in the pros but has decent tape as a big slot. His pro limitations go beyond Michigan’s spotty offense and he may not reach any higher than being an average backup.”
Cleveland Browns make DPJ the newest Browns receiver
The Browns have a great young quarterback in Baker Mayfield and they just got him another great pass catcher. Donovan Peoples-Jones is going to join a loaded wide receiver room that includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
DPJ and OBJ. The two receivers both like to celebrate touchdowns which will be something to look forward to.
Cleveland is getting an athletic freak who has his best football still ahead of him. DPJ is going to be able to learn from two receivers that are at the top of their game. He will be able to learn a lot from Beckham Jr. and Landry.
Peoples-Jones has the ability to play in the slot or on the outside. He played at both spots for the Wolverines.
The former Michigan football receiver can also help the Browns in the return game. DPJ has a lot of experience as a punt returner with home run ability returning two punts for TD’s at Michigan.
In a draft that was deep with talent at the wide receiver position DPJ gets his call in the 6th round. He is going to a pretty good situation with the Browns.