4 Browns offensive players who shined against Philadelphia

Offensive Player No. 3: Mike Harley Jr.

There is a major imbalance in the Browns offensive roster. While there are plenty of strengths, mainly in the offensive line and running back rooms, there is still a glaring weakness. Cleveland lacks serious playable depth in their wide receiver room.

There have been reports of bright spots on the practice field, but until today none of the Browns’ young unproven receivers have yet to emerge and show the coaching staff what they need to see. Mike Harley, Jr. took his first in-game action steps to prove to the coaches that he is a serious candidate to make the 53-man roster.

The Browns gave Harley the opportunity to return kicks on Sunday, but where he showed the most promise was on the offensive side of the ball. On the first play of their second drive, Harley went up for a contested catch with an Eagles defender and was able to tip the ball up and then come down with the football. While you would ideally want to see him snatch it clean the first time, the concentration and body control that Harley displayed was quite impressive.

Then with 17 seconds left in the first half and the ball on the Philadelphia 23-yard line, Dobbs and Harley connected on a pump-and-go shot down the sideline. The 18-yard gain set the Browns up with first-and-goal from the Eagles’ five-yard line. It was a big spot for the undrafted rookie, and he rewarded Dobbs for having the confidence to target him.

Harley rounded out his day by making an acrobatic eight-yard catch on the sideline to extend a drive on third down. There were some rough spots later in the fourth quarter for the rookie, but overall, Harley displayed enough playmaking ability to enter the wide receiver conversation for the final 53-man roster. If Harley can finish strong, he could punch his ticket on this wide receiver-depleted team.