3 Players who could doom Cleveland Browns playoff run

2. Harrison Bryant, Tight End

Don’t get me wrong, Harrison Bryant has a bright future for the Browns and has had a very solid rookie season. Overall, his 16 receptions for 164 yards and three touchdowns is impressive for a fourth-round pick. However, he’s also cost the Browns twice in very close contests.

First was in their 16-6 loss in Week 8 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Following an opening-drive missed field goal from the Raiders, Cleveland responded with a drive that looked as though it was going to end in points. Those hopes died when Bryant caught a pass at the Las Vegas 32 and coughed it up — costing his team some much-needed points.

In Week 12, a similar play happened that nearly swung the momentum against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Up 17-13 at the half, the Browns were trying to put the game out of reach, and Bryant lost control and again fumbled. This time, he gave the Jags the ball in Cleveland territory and they scored a touchdown to take the lead. The Browns won by two, but it shouldn’t have been that close and this play was part of the reason why.

Cleveland is deep at tight end with Austin Hooper, David Njoku, and Bryant. So far, Bryant has been playing ahead of Njoku but sometimes leaning on a rookie in a big role can be a risk. Bryant offers a good route runner with soft hands, but the two big gaffes on his 16 touches surely stood out.