Cleveland Browns players coming off injuries in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
Derrick Willies, Wide Receiver — Shoulder
Undrafted out of Texas Tech, Derrick Willies joined the Browns as an intriguing prospect last season. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 207-pounds, Willies offered a huge target on a team that didn’t have a lot of height at the position.
Originally a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Willies transferred to the Red Raiders in 2015. After sitting out a season, he got on the field as a junior and had 18 receptions for 288 yards and two scores. He added another 18 catches for 304 yards and three touchdowns as a senior before landing with the Browns.
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Despite his minimal numbers in college, Willies was given a shot and caught the coaching staff’s eye with his ability to make great catches in practice. He showed a great rapport with Baker Mayfield and had four receptions for 42 yards in the preseason.
That was enough for him to land on the 53-man roster and by Week 5, he found himself being pressed into action as an injury to Rashard Higgins gave him a chance to shine. Willies did just that as he had three catches for 61 yards including a clutch 39-yard grab that helped them win an overtime game against the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, there was no encore as Willies fractured his collarbone in practice the following week and landed on IR to end the season.
Looking ahead to 2019, it will again be hard for Willies to get snaps. The Browns added Odell Beckham, Jr. in the offseason and will return Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, and Rashard Higgins. However, he offers the height the others don’t have and can’t be counted out just yet.