The long wait for Cleveland Browns football is nearly over as they are set to play the New York Jets in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game Thursday night. Though you likely won’t see any starters or major contributors play on Thursday there are still plenty to watch for.
Borderline roster players will benefit from the extra game this year with more of an opportunity to prove themselves to the coaching staff. On top of players trying to make the roster in Cleveland, you have players who are just trying to make an impression on any team in the league to continue their journey.
Here’s a look at five offensive players that stand to gain the most from Thursday’s preseason game.
WR Jaelon Darden
Jaelon Darden has a good shot at the 53-man roster especially with his ability in the punt and kick return game. He is battling with Jakeem Grant for the return job and maybe the final wide receiver spot. With the uncertainty surrounding Marquise Goodwin the speedy Darden could benefit as his replacement if he misses an extended period.
RB Demetric Felton
Demetric Felton has bounced back and forth between running back and wide receiver as well as some time as a punt returner. However, he hasn’t really seen much playing time in either of those positions. Right now he is the favorite to win the third running back job unless someone else is brought in or steps up.
Felton does have the dynamic play-making ability that he flashed in college and a couple of times in the NFL with the Browns. He needs to show the staff that he is a reliable pass-catching running back in the preseason if he wants to secure a spot on the 53.
C Nick Harris
It has been a tough year for center Nick Harris who was set to be the starting center last year before tearing his ACL in the preseason. Coming off the injury, being limited to only playing center, and the drafting of Luke Wypler it will be an uphill battle for Harris.
The team was confident in him and his one previous start at center in 2021 showed he can play. He might not have a spot in Cleveland but a strong preseason could make him a prime trade candidate or get him an opportunity with another team.
WR Daylen Baldwin
Daylen Baldwin is an interesting player that the team has kept around showing they have at least some confidence he could turn into something. Just like with Darden, there could be an open roster spot and Baldwin has made some nice grabs in training camp so far. Baldwin is a bigger-bodied wide receiver with reliable hands that could find himself on the practice squad again.
RB John Kelly
Another player that the team continues to keep around is running back John Kelly who has been on the practice squad since the 2020 season. He continues to have productive preseasons, could this finally be the year he makes the 53? He has decent vision and power, if Demetric Felton doesn’t have a strong preseason and Kelly does he could snag that running back three roster spots.
