Cleveland Browns: 4 early takeaways from opening days of OTAs
By Randy Gurzi
3. Rashard Higgins could be the Browns second-best wideout in 2019
Let’s be clear, this claim isn’t a knock on any Cleveland player — such as Jarvis Landry — but rather an indication of how much Rashard Higgins has grown as a player. A fifth-round pick in 2016, Higgins has grown each year in the league and was blossoming into a complete wideout last season before injuring his knee in their win over the Baltimore Ravens.
He ended up missing three games but still wound up with 39 receptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns — all of which were career bests for Higgins. After the season, he was given a restricted free agent tender and enters a contract year. If the early workouts are any indication, he’s going to get paid in the offseason because he’s been putting in some work.
Already known as a good route runner, Higgins has looked crisp in this area so far, which can be seen in this clip on Twitter, shared by Jordan Zirm, producer of the “ThomaHawk Show“.
this Rashard Higgins route against Denzel Ward 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/t2n1EaOImh
— Jordan Zirm (@JordanZirm) May 14, 2019
In the clip, Higgins is able to get past Denzel Ward, the best corner on Cleveland. Of course, Ward had his share of victories as well, but the fact is Higgins looks ready for a breakout campaign. Should that happen, this could be a scary offense.