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Cleveland Browns: 3 potential breakout stars in 2019

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 07: Derrick Willies #84 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball on a fourth down for a first down in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 07: Derrick Willies #84 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball on a fourth down for a first down in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 30: Derrick Willies #84 of the Cleveland Browns looks for running room after a first quarter catch while playing the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 30: Derrick Willies #84 of the Cleveland Browns looks for running room after a first quarter catch while playing the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Ford Field on August 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Derrick Willies, WR

This one is the definition of a sleeper because Derrick Willies hardly even saw the field in 2018 for the Cleveland Browns. He was on the field for significant snaps just once, which happened to be in Week 5 when the Browns upended the Baltimore Ravens in overtime.

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In that game, Willies saw five targets come his way and he ended up hauling in three of them for 61 yards. Late in the game, he even pulled in a 39-yard reception which set up the game-winning kick.

Willies play was impressive in that game and he looked ready to be an impactful member of the receiving corps that had been dealt its share of injuries.

Then, the undrafted rookie joined the ranks of the injured wideouts for the Browns. During a practice in October, he suffered a broken collarbone and was sent to the IR. It was an unceremonious end for a kid full of promise.

Heading into 2019, the reason Willies seems ready to break out is his rapport with Mayfield. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 207-pounds, Willies gave Mayfield a large target on the outside. He also was on the same page throughout training camp and preseason with the young quarterback. Should those two get on the same page again heading into 2019, there’s a shot he could become a fan favorite quickly.

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