Key Takeaways:
* Cleveland Browns sign speedy wide receiver Matt Landers as OTAs begin.
* Landers comes with noteworthy credentials, including a 4.37 40-yard dash.
* The Browns also brought in another receiver, Jalen Camp, earlier this offseason.
* The team has been strengthening its wide receiver position, anchored by star Amari Cooper.
The Cleveland Browns enhanced their wide receiver roster with the addition of Matt Landers, an up-and-coming speedster. The official signing was confirmed on Tuesday, May 21, bringing new speed and potential to the team as Organized Team Activities (OTAs) gets underway.
Introducing Matt Landers: A High-Speed Addition
Measuring 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Landers boasts an impressive speed record. He was a standout performer in the 2023 combine with a 4.37 40-yard dash, the third-fastest for that year. Despite his noteworthy metrics, Landers faced the challenging road of being undrafted and spent some time in the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein classified Landers as a player in development in his draft breakdown. Landers honed his skills at Georgia before displaying solid performance at Toledo and a stronger season at Arkansas. Zierlein pointed out Landers’s potential as a receiver, highlighting his size, readiness to claim the ball and remarkable speed.
Andrew Berry, General Manager for the Browns, clarified in 2023 that speed was a valuable asset when considering wide receiver candidates. He stated that adding a player who could stress the defense with running ability is an opportunity they are always ready to explore.
Jalen Camp: Another Fresh Prospect
Landers is not the only fresh addition to the Browns’ wide receiver room this offseason. Jalen Camp was also signed on earlier. Initially drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round in 2021, Camp has played in five career games, all with the Houston Texans. Camp, who ran a 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds and achieved 39.5 inches on the vertical jump at his pro day, offers some valuable potential.
Amari Cooper: The Cornerstone of the Wide Receiver Unit
The Browns have managed to add depth to their wide receiver position over a few years, with Amari Cooper as the central figure. Cooper joined in 2022 via a trade and has since become a vital aspect of the team’s pass game.
Cooper, a Pro Bowl season player, was instrumental in supporting the Browns’ offense last season, despite catching passes from four different quarterbacks. He made a significant contribution with 1,250 yards on 72 catches.
Through recent trades, the Browns managed to bring in Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy, further reinforcing their wide receiver unit. Moore had a successful inaugural year with the Browns, whereas the team acquired Jeudy in March of this year.
With this blend of seasoned performers and promising newcomers, the Cleveland Browns are certainly gearing up to add more firepower to their receiving game.