5 Studs in early Cleveland Browns training camp practices

4. KhaDarel Hodge, Wide Receiver

We already looked at Jarvis Landry who was an honorable mention in our first weekend studs. Landry enters the season fresh off his first 1,000-yard season with Cleveland and is locked in as one of the starting wideouts. As the other starter, that’s also not up for debate as Odell Beckham, Jr. is also coming off a 1,000-yard campaign.

Behind those two, there’s a lot to be determined. The Browns brought back Rashard Higgins after he sat on the open market until after the draft and he seems to have the inside track to the third receiver spot. There is competition though with Damion Ratley and rookie sixth-round pick Donovan Peoples-Jones fighting for that role.

There’s also a dark horse in the mix in KhaDarel Hodge. The third-year pro started his career as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams. The Prarie View A&M product made his way to Cleveland last year and had four receptions for 76 yards — which was an impressive 19-yards per catch.

On Friday, he again showed off his ability to deliver on the long ball as he had what was widely called the play of the day. Hodge got deep and was able to haul in a pass from Case Keenum for a long touchdown.

https://twitter.com/Browns/status/1294431059552153600?s=20

It was just one of several solid receptions for Hodge as he makes a case for being on the final roster this season. It won’t be easy for him to edge out the competition but he’s doing all he can early to stay in the mix.