Browns insider says Marquise Goodwin 'dominated' minicamp

Tyreek Hill likes to boast he’s the fastest man in the NFL. But maybe that title goes to Marquise Goodwin, the former Olympian, who enjoyed a terrific minicamp with the Browns, his new team.

ESPN is placing a spotlight on surprise standouts for each team during the offseason. And Marquise Goodwin received the distinction for Cleveland.

ESPN’s Jake Trotter wrote:

“The Browns made a couple of noteworthy moves to upgrade their receiving corps this offseason, trading for Elijah Moore and drafting Cedric Tillman in the third round. Yet another under-the-radar addition, the 32-year-old Goodwin, dominated Cleveland’s minicamp, flashing the downfield wheels that could make him an intriguing weapon for quarterback Deshaun Watson.

“When asked about Goodwin’s speed, Watson said, “It opens up other guys underneath … the run game and also the intermediate and short game.” Goodwin won’t be a primary option, but he could be an impactful one.”

Marquise Goodwin is 11 years removed from his trip to the London Olympics. He finished 10th at the Games, the summer before his final season with the Texas Longhorns. While competing for UT, Goodwin ran the sprints and won two NCAA titles in the long jump. He always was the speed option for those long go routes.

The Bills selected Goodwin in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. And since then, Goodwin has been the definition of NFL nomad. He’s played for six teams. That includes two stints for the 49ers. In his 10 years in the league. Goodwin has caught 175 passes for 2,837 yards. He’s no possession guy as evidenced by his per catch average of 18.7 yards. He needed his speed to survive and thrive in football. He’s 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, which isn’t the best body type to withstand some brutal hits. But you can’t tackle what you can’t catch.

Earlier this month, Goodwin spoke to reporters about how much he’s enjoying working out with Watson.

“It’s really humbling to work with somebody as elite as Deshaun,” Marquise Goodwin said. “I don’t really have to guess or wonder ‘is he going to throw it far enough? Is he going to throw it?’ I look in the air and I’m like, ‘dang, I got to run.’ So when you have somebody who is as dedicated and as focused and as experienced as he is elite, it just makes my job easier. All I have to do is run.”

And about the speed. Goodwin still has it. Keep in mind, he ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Combine. A decade later, the time still ranks as the seventh fastest ever.

“I think I’m pretty much in my prime, so I don’t think I lost any speed,” Marquise Goodwin said. “It’s kind of like fine wine. You just get better with time.

“Taking care of my body, doing little things, spending time with my family, being intentional with my time and my habits and it’s definitely working out. Got another opportunity to play football this year. I’m blessed.”