3 Cleveland Browns to watch in Preseason Week 3 vs. Tampa Bay

Tight end Seth DeValve

Seth DeValve was entering a pivotal training camp in his career, as the fourth-year tight end was put on the roster bubble. But after suffering a concussion early on in camp, DeValve has not been able to get on the field.

DeValve was cleared of his concussion and returned to practice Monday. But after missing so much time during camp and not playing in the first two preseason games, DeValve is going to have to make a statement, and he needs to do it immediately.

The tight end group has been less than stellar for the Browns so far in 2019, giving DeValve some wiggle room. He has shown in his career that he can be an effective receiver and can hold his own when asked to block. However, injuries seem to cause problems for DeValve.

With Demetrius Harris not taking a firm grasp of the No. 2 tight end role, DeValve should get some opportunities playing next to David Njoku against the Buccaneers. It will be then that DeValve will need to show he has some chemistry with Baker Mayfield and can make plays in the passing game.

But what can help DeValve is if he can be an effective blocker. Since Njoku has issues blocking, the Browns need their No. 2 tight end to hold off defenders when asked to block. DeValve also could pivot into playing some snaps as a fullback, which he did at times in 2018, to use his versatility to increase his chances to make the roster.

If DeValve is able to play against the Buccaneers Friday, he will be an important player to watch because his presence on the roster could depend on his performances in the next two preseason games.