5 Cleveland Browns who earned their stripes against Detroit Lions

Nate Orchard, DE, LB

A quarterback presser, a tackle for a loss and then a 64-yard leaping pick-6 of Lions’ quarterback Matt Cassel.

Things couldn’t have gone better for Orchard.

However, despite Mychal Kendricks‘ release, there’s uncertainty regarding Orchard and Carl Nassib, as ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi speculated there still may only be room for one player.

Both play off the edge, and you’ve got assume Chad Thomas, a third-round draft choice of Dorsey, is going to make the team.

Orchard was a second pick of former GM Ray Farmer back in 2015. Coming out of college, Orchard’s was the nation’s most prolific sacker.

However, he hasn’t replicated that performance in the NFL.

He was first used as an outside linebacker when the Browns employed a 3-4 base, but he’s now a defensive end charged with rushing quarterback in a 4-3 base.

Here’s what Hue Jackson said when asked if Orchard’s big play could help him make the team, via Ohio.com.

"“Heck, yeah,” Jackson said. “He made a play. He made a real, big-time football play right before half. He intercepted the ball, returns it for a touchdown. That’s huge. Again, everything’s going to be evaluated for our players. Again, the most important thing is we put the right 53 guys on this team. I think that’s important.”"

One game doesn’t earn a roster spot, but it doesn’t hurt either. Personally I can’t help but forget Orchard whiffing on Josh Allen on what became a touchdown throw at FirstEnergy Stadium in preseason Week 2.