Browns: 5 underused players who could break out in 2021
By Chad Porto
WR Rashard Higgins
KhaDarel Hodge could easily take this spot from Rashard Higgins if things go that way. Higgins is listed by ESPN as being the Browns’ third receiver but he could see a lot more reps or a lot fewer reps depending on injuries, formations, and the focus on the offense. He had a nice year in 2020, a year he wouldn’t have had if Odell Beckham Jr. was healthy.
Since Beckham is always hurt, Higgins should get an opportunity to highlight his skills. While he plays more like Jarvis Landry than Beckham and could make the offense less palpable because of that, Higgins has shown to be on the same page with Baker Mayfield maybe more than any other receiver.
He may not be more talented but he could step up and have a big season should opportunities arise. That would be great for the Browns, especially considering that Beckham and Landry have had injury issues as of late that have affected their play on a significant level.
Hodge is another player in the same mold as Higgins, just without the chemistry with Mayfield. So he could easily find himself in the slot. Same with Donovan Peoples-Jones. The Browns are deep at receiver but expect a name or two to get cut during camp.