The Facts: Browns' first-round pick Justin Gilbert paid Hawkins the ultimate compliment after organized team activities this week. "I'd rather guard (Josh) Gordon than him,' the No. 8 overall pick said. "He's so little and quick. Those guys are hard to get a handle on. He's out there making plays every day.'

Diehards Line: As Plain Dealer staffer Mary Kay Cabot notes, with Gordon's suspension looming, the Browns are fortunate to have their new pint-sized dynamo -- all 5-7, 180 pounds of him -- lighting it up in practice. And Gilbert certainly isn't the only one who's noticed. QB Brian Hoyer also praised the diminutive slot receiver, comparing him to one of the best in the game in five-time Pro Bowler Wes Welker, with whom he spent three years in New England. "The guy runs his routes so hard. It reminds me a lot of my time in New England with Welker," Hoyer said. "The guy runs every route to win." Hawkins spent three years in Cincinnati, largely playing in the shadows of premier receivers A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Still, he managed a breakout season in 2012, catching 51 passes for 533 yards and four touchdowns -- including a 50-yard scorcher in a victory over the Browns. A high ankle sprain last season derailed his plans to outdo himself, and he eked out only 12 catches for 199 yards last year. But the Browns saw enough to make him a four-year, $13.6 million offer that the Bengals refused to match. Now he's a player we might all want to keep an eye on.