Cleveland Browns: 3 unexpected training camp standouts so far

1. Rashard Higgins, Wide Receiver

After news broke that Josh Gordon wasn’t going to be at the start of camp, rumors began connecting the Browns to some available free agents. The biggest name was, of course, Dez Bryant. That hasn’t happened yet, and if Rashard Higgins has his way, it won’t.

Higgins was a fifth-round pick of the Browns in 2016 and he had minimal impact on the stat sheet as a rookie. Then in year two, he didn’t even make the team initially. Higgins found his way to the practice squad but was only there for a couple weeks before coming up to the active roster.

An inconsistent season followed and he was again considered on the cusp of making this final roster, but Higgins looks like a new man so far. Coach Jackson has praised his ability to make plays as evidenced by his quote about the third-year player while speaking to Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com.

"“That is what receivers have to do. They have to make the plays when the ball is thrown. Whether it is under-thrown, over-thrown or whatever that is, you have to make the play. That is what Rashard is starting to do.” — Jackson said via Labbe of Cleveland.com"

It’s unlikely now that Higgins fails to make the 53-man roster unless he has a significant drop off before the preseason ends.

It’s still early and there’s a lot of practice and four exhibition games to go, but these three players are doing their part so far.