Cleveland Browns select WR Rashard Higgins
The Cleveland Browns drafted Rashard Higgins with the No. 172 pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Rashard Higgins of Colorado State is a hot prospect and a poor 40-yard dash time had him slip into the fifth-round.
After an impressive freshman year at Colorado State (68 receptions, 837 yards and six touchdowns), Higgins put up mind-boggling numbers in 2014. He posted 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns. 2015 was another good year, although the production took a dip amid the arrival of a new quarterback and offense with a stat line of 74 receptions, 1,061 yards and eight touchdowns.
The former Colorado State Ram was a consensus All-American and earned first team All-Conference honors in his stellar 2014 season as he was the nation’s leader in yards and touchdowns.
A remarkable route runner with sticky hands, Higgins has no problem with making plays after the catch either. A superb deep ball threat that can high-point the ball downfield, Higgins should be put to use from the start with the Browns.
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The weaknesses for the young talent is getting initial speed when breaking into his route and also is inconsistent with separating from defensive backs. He was projected to be selected in the third or fourth round, according to NFL.com.
This is an exciting player for Cleveland and Payton will look to make an immediate impact for this new, fast-paced Browns offense under head coach Hue Jackson. Robert Griffin III is known for his absurd arm strength and it was imperative that their front office pair him and Corey Coleman up with another productive receiver.