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Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from Preseason Week 3

By Dan Justik

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 23: T.J. Carrie #38 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after tackle on a punt rerun during the first half of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 23: T.J. Carrie #38 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after tackle on a punt rerun during the first half of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns helmets rest on the bench prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Stud: Genard Avery

Following the 2018 NFL Draft, one player that stood out as a potential steal was Memphis linebacker Genard Avery. Built like a defensive linemen that has the athleticism of a linebacker, Avery’s stature resembles the physical build of James Harrison.

On Thursday night, Avery received some quality snaps with the first-team defense, and took advantage of the opportunity. Playing off the edge, Avery made a strip sack on Foles after dominating two blockers, including one of the best right tackles in the league in Lane Johnson.

The fifth-round pick has received a lot of playing time with the first-team defense, and seems to be in line for valuable playing time during the regular season. Having Avery play off the edge allows defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to get creative in lining up his defensive line. When Avery is in the game, oftentimes Emmanuel Ogbah plays as the three-technique.

Having Avery, Ogbah, Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi on the line of scrimmage creates a very intimidating pass rushing unit. It is a package that will likely be used often in the regular season, and Avery has earned the right to play with the first-team defense more often.

Avery did leave the game in the second half with a hamstring injury and the seriousness of the injury is not yet known.

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