There is a saying regarding the NFL Draft. “Late Round selections build championship teams.” And this statement cannot be truer. So now that the dust has settled on this weekend’s draft festivities we will take a closer look at the Cleveland Browns third day selections.

One of the biggest perceived needs for the Cleveland Browns during this off-season was at wide receiver. During the 2011 season the Browns offense struggled to move the ball through the air ranking 24th in passing yards (193.1) and 30th in points scored (13.6). Many in the media and the fans felt that Cleveland needed to use the 22nd or 37th overall pick to add talent to a receiving group that led the league with 43 drops a season ago. Instead the Browns waited until the 4th round to address this issue with the selection of wide receiver Travis Benjamin from Miami with the 100th overall selection.

I must admit, like many I was shocked that Heckert waited until the 4th round to address wide receiver. I also felt that Cleveland needed to grab a receiver early. But getting Benjamin in the fourth is a steal.

Benjamin is a speed receiver that can stretch the field and give the Browns a deep threat on the outside. Benjamin ran a 4.36 40-yard-dash at the combine and boasts a vertical jump of 38 inch vertical. He was a deep threat in the Miami offense and is a dangerous return specialist which could add dimension to Cleveland’s return game along with Josh Cribbs.

Benjamin is 5-10, 172 pounds which makes him a little undersized for the position. One concern that many scouts have about him is his ability to get off the line in press coverage. He also appears to have issues catching passes inside. He prefers to be on the outside of formations and does have exceptional route running expertise. He has an uncanny ability to get open at the top of his routes, and uses his explosive speed to create separation.

To many Benjamin was a sleeper pick and overlooked by many media draft experts but he was not overlooked by Heckert and company. Benjamin will provide a much needed speed receiver to the Cleveland Browns arsenal.

What do you think of this selection? We would love to hear from you.