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Cleveland Browns 3 most surprising cuts while trimming roster to 53

By Randy Gurzi

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Derrick Willies #84 of the Cleveland Browns catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Jalen Collins #32 of the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Derrick Willies #84 of the Cleveland Browns catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Jalen Collins #32 of the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
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) /

3. Derrick Willies, Wide Receiver

Last season, undrafted free agent Derrick Willies proved to have a good rapport with fellow rookie Baker Mayfield. That helped the Texas Tech product gain 42 yards on just four receptions which led to him being on the 53-man roster to start the 2018 season.

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He then got into the action in Week 5 when Rashard Higgins was injured, and Willies stepped up big time. He pulled in three receptions for 61 yards and helped set the team up for a game-winning kick by Greg Joseph. That overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens was exciting but proved to be Willies final game of the season.

A fractured collarbone ended his rookie season but there were some expectations placed on the 6-foot-4 receiver heading into this season. He looked to be on his way to meeting those as he had six receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. That ended up not being enough for him to make the team as Willies name was among those who received word of their release.

Hopefully, the team is able to get him back to the practice squad as they surely would like to do so. That won’t be easy though with Willies proving to be a player with plenty of potential. This one wasn’t expected at all, but the wideout corps is pretty strong and the move for Tawan Taylor gave them even more depth there.

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