We chatted with Browns writer Jared Mueller about the Donovan Peoples-Jones trade and what the Detroit Lions have in their new wide receiver.
The Detroit Lions decided to trade at the NFL trade deadline, sending a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for starting receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. While many Lions fans know Peoples-Jones from his career at Michigan, we wanted to update people on his career since he was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His career certainly had its ups and downs. After a bit of a slow start, Peoples-Jones had a breakout season in 2022, rushing for 839 yards on 61 catches. But that progress is running into a problem this year, as he’s hauled in just eight catches for 97 yards in seven games.
So to find out what the Lions have in Peoples-Jones, to learn how he’s adjusting to the NFL, and to find out what the heck is going on this year, we caught up with SB producer Jared Mueller Nation, maintain Brown’s blog Dawgs By Nature.
Here’s what Jared had to say:
What are Peoples-Jones’ strengths? Weaknesses?
“Peoples-Jones is a big threat with big speed. He does an excellent job of tracking the ball over his head and catching it as he hits. As a high-waisted player, DPJ has trouble changing direction and fighting for the ball while returning to the ball.”
2022 was a breakout season for Jones. What led to his success this year? And why didn’t it happen in 2023? Is it purely quarterback-related?
“DPJ has been a ‘breakthrough waiting to happen’ ever since Odell Beckham Jr. called it something like that a few years ago. Last year, Jacoby Brissett threw a wonderful deep ball and really focused on only throwing passes to receivers who were running their best routes. Amari Cooper and Peoples-Jones were the only wide receivers last year to have more than 24 receptions and 35 target receptions, respectively, so the ball was forced his way a bit too.
“This year the quarterback play was terrible, with the lack of touch on deep balls clearly evident.”
How versatile is Peoples-Jones? Can he play any WR position?
“Despite his exciting combination of size and speed, DPJ is an outside receiver who likely catches most of his balls on go routes or deep-ins near the middle of the field. Detroit could also unlock their punt return abilities with a few screens.”
How are Browns fans reacting to the trade? What do you think about the value?
Note: You can read the Browns’ comments on the DPJ trade here
“There are basically two types of reactions right now: ‘Spent a sixth, got three-plus years of service, got a sixth back,’ or ‘How could you put your starting receiver, who played the most snaps of everyone, against a lousy sixth.’ trade?’Round pick….not even in 2024?’
“Even if he leaves after free agency, Detroit got a really good deal because DPJ can take off the top of the defense to open things up further downfield and return punts.”
The Lions place great value on character. What can you tell us about the personality and culture of DPJ?
“A great person who is always smiling, optimistic and willing to work really, really hard.”
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