Cleveland Browns: Players who can win a job in Preseason Week 3

Writer: Randy Gurzi

Player who can win a spot on offense: Damion Ratley

This kid has all the speed in the world and there’s even been talk of him getting first-team reps in practice. Now, we all know he won’t be a starter, especially with Josh Gordon coming back. What Ratley can do, however, is win himself a roster spot.

Since the team traded Corey Coleman to the Buffalo Bills, there’s room for someone who can stretch the field. Ratley and fellow rookie Antonio Callaway can provide that. Callaway’s spot is secure, but the sixth-round pick from Texas A&M still needs to show he can be more than just potential.

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After not playing in the first preseason game, Ratley hit the field in Week 2. He was targeted twice and pulled in both catches, but managed just 18 yards. That’s not showcasing his speed and on Thursday against the Eagles, he needs to be better to prove he belongs. Thankfully for him, he likely still plays in the final game, but a strong outing against the defending champions would cement his status on the roster.

Player who can win a spot on defense: Michael Kendricks

The former Eagles linebacker will face the team that cut him this offseason. While we all know a roster spot is a sure thing for him, Kendricks has yet to establish himself as the sure-fire starter in Cleveland. In their first unofficial depth chart, he was listed behind Jamie Collins, Joe Schobert, and Christian Kirksey. That’s an impressive group in front of him, but Kendricks is no slouch himself. Should he show out against Philly, he could put himself in line to start in 2018.

Helping him is his ability to play any of the three linebacker positions. That kind of flexibility may be why the staff likes him in a reserve role as he can spell any player, but it could also help him land a starting job. He’s best in the middle though and with one sack and a tackle for loss in the first two games, it’s going to be hard to keep him off the field should he continue that play.