The Cleveland Browns’ wide receivers have nowhere to go but up after ranking last in the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdown catches last year. The Browns spent some significant draft capital on KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to improve the position, and the rookies have shown they are going to be major contributors this season.
But there is another young player who could have a major effect on the offense. Second-year pro Isaiah Bond brings an element the rest of the receivers lack, and it could have him in line for a big season.
Insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com named the overlooked Browns player as someone who could have a big impact, thanks to his unique speed.
“I do think that maybe there is one player that has flown under the radar a little but, and that’s Isaiah Bond. He is their deep threat, and he is someone that can really make an impact this season,” Cabot said.
Last year, Bond entered the NFL Scouting Combine declaring that he was looking to break the record 40-yard dash time that was held by Xavier Worthy at 4.21 seconds. He fell short, posting a time of 4.39 seconds.
Despite that still impressive mark, Bond was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft after he was arrested on a sexual assault charge. After those charges were dropped, he signed with Cleveland during training camp.
That late start to his rookie season limited what Bond was able to provide, as he posted just 18 catches in 16 games. However, his yards-per-catch average of 18.8 highlighted his big-play ability.
Now, the Browns are counting on him to build on that potential, not only to increase his own production but to open up other areas of the field for the other wide receivers. Concepcion, Boston and Jerry Jeudy each bring a different skill set to the roster, and having that versatility will be a vital component of Cleveland’s passing game.
Whether Deshaun Watson can take advantage of Bond’s ability remains to be seen. The quarterback did not show an ability or willingness to throw the ball downfield during the preseason, and Bond might not be able to reach his ceiling until the more aggressive Shedeur Sanders is at QB.
Bond’s status for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars is unclear, as he is in concussion protocol following a hard hit in the second preseason game, but as soon as he can take the field, he should provide a boost to the Browns’ attack.
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