4 young Cleveland Browns who can stand out in Week 18

There might not be a postseason berth on the line but that doesn’t mean Week 18 is pointless, especially for these four young Cleveland Browns players

With all the back and forth about shoulder injuries and play-calling, the Cleveland Browns season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18 has seemed to fall to the backburner. But this game, although it has no real impact on how their season ends, is still important to the players who are going to suit up.

There are several guys who will be free agents in the offseason who can go out and prove they’ll give their all even when there’s nothing on the line. There are also younger players who might be able to get more snaps as injured veterans could end up either sitting out, or at least playing less than normal.

Here we look at four such young players who could truly use the snaps to prove they deserve more time in the upcoming 2022 NFL Season.

4. Cleveland Browns OT, James Hudson III

With Jack Conklin out, rookie offensive tackle James Hudson III has been able to get plenty of playing time. He’s appeared in 11 games this year with three starts, including Week 17 when no one on the Cleveland offensive line could protect Baker Mayfield.

Heading into Week 18, the Browns will be facing a Bengals team that already locked up the division. Hudson should again be starting this weekend and while his rookie campaign has been up and down, he can gain a lot of confidence should he be able to play well. If not, it could mean the front office looks for another option at swing tackle in the offseason.