The Cleveland Browns have made some big moves this offseason, including revamping the offensive line.
They’ve added right tackle Jack Conklin and Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper through free agency.
The Browns drafted some key rookies in left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and safety Grant Delpit.
The organization looks like it is in much better shape than it was a season ago.
In fact, the Browns have added so much talent that almost all the position battles in camp are for backup roles on the team.
Those backup roles are still important, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens during the preseason.
1. Third Receiver
At the moment, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry have the two starting receiver spots locked up.
However, there is going to be a tough battle for the third receiver spot during camp.
There is one player that appears to have an edge in the race for the No. 3 receiver job.
The Browns sign WR Rashard Higgins to a one-year deal, per report. #NFL #Browns #NFLFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/LfEasytMxY
— NFL News (@NflNews1217) April 28, 2020
The Browns decided to re-sign Rashard Higgins after a horrendous 2019 campaign.
He appeared to be a favorite target for quarterback Baker Mayfield during the 2018 season.
Last season, he saw just 11 targets, but struggled with injuries and had a dispute with then-coach Freddie Kitchens.
Higgins will battle with Damion Ratley, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Taywan Taylor for the third receiver role in camp.
None of those receivers have as much experience as Higgins, so he appears to be the front-runner at this point.
Although, after Higgins sluggish performance last year, the Browns don’t seem ready to hand him the job right away.
2. Right Guard
The Browns have made huge upgrades at the tackle spots, but the right guard position is still an issue heading into 2020.
Last season, right guard Wyatt Teller ended up seeing most of the action at the right guard spot.
He started nine games for the Browns, but wasn’t a perfect fit since he allowed too many pressures.
“With the 189th pick in the 2019 Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Drew Forbes, G, Southeast Missouri State.”
📺: NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/Hwv09QU5zD
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 27, 2019
The Browns selected right guard Drew Forbes during the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He looked solid during the preseason, but only saw two games of action in the regular season last year.
Forbes does appear to have potential, but injuries might end up holding him back.
He might have a chance at passing Teller for the starting spot, assuming Forbes is able to play well during camp.
3. Second Tight End
The Browns struggled to get production from the tight end position last year.
They didn’t waste time this offseason and brought in Hooper who will give them a huge boost.
After an injury-riddled 2019 campaign, David Njoku could end up battling for playing time during the preseason.
Welcome to Cleveland, Harrison Bryant!
📰: https://t.co/D27VfTgeB8#BrownsDraft pic.twitter.com/clubeatLS5
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 25, 2020
The Browns decided to add some insurance at tight end during the draft this year.
They selected Florida Atlantic tight end Harrison Bryant during the fourth round.
He hauled in 65 receptions, 1,004 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns during his senior year.
Njoku has put together one solid season over the course of his three years in the NFL.
He suffered a concussion and a broken wrist, which knocked him out for most of the 2019 season.
The Browns decided it was time to add another option in case Njoku doesn’t step up.
It’ll be interesting to see which players are able to earn these roles during camp and the preseason.
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