GOODYEAR, Arizona. – In the 2016 draft, Rashard Higgins was the fourth recipient – by the Browns! Here are the other three: Corey Coleman (first round) and fourth-round players Ricardo Louis and Jordan Payton.
In the fifth round with a choice of 172, the Browns called the name Rashard Higgins of the state of Colorado. Higgins left school as its main receiver of all time. But his lack of speed did not impress NFL scouts. Just as it led to just one offer from Division I – from the state of Colorado.
This despite being an important player at Mesquite High, near Dallas, receiving 69 passes (10 for TDs) as a senior. He also averaged 17 points per game in basketball as a 6-foot, 154-pound guard.
The first time I talked to Higgins was when newbies reported back in 2016.
“What kind of receiver are you?” I asked.
“I’m a catch-the-ball receiver,” he said.
I loved it. It is true. He is the type of catcher who catches the ball, which is a very important attribute.
I thought about all of that when Higgins reports came up returning the Browns on a one-year, $ 2.38 million contract. It looked like Higgins would get a multi-year contract from someone after picking up 37 passes for 599 yards and four TDs this season.
But, again, he was passed over.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins walks the “red carpet” while quarterback Baker Mayfield takes “pictures” during the Sunday’s touchdown celebration. (Cleveland Browns)
WHAT’S WORTH CLEVELAND
Browns fans know their value. It is clutch, with a special chemistry with QB Baker Mayfield.
Football Outsiders said that Higgins got 37 out of 38 “welcome passes” last season. No surprise. He is a “catch the ball” type receiver. Not big. Not fast. Not particularly flashy.
But somehow, he averaged a healthy 16.5 meters per catch.
It is hard to believe that other teams no longer see value in Higgins, but it is good for the Browns and their fans. GM Andrew Berry was patient and brought the 26-year-old back into a modest business.
But that could be a big deal for the Browns.
Cleveland Browns wide receivers, Rashard Higgins and Odell Beckham Jr., marked five years during the 14th training camp day. (Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com)
THE ODELL BECKHAM COMEBACK
At the start of Game 7 of the 2020 season, Odell Beckham Jr. suffered an injury in the ACL. He picked up six passes that day and 33 passes in his previous nine games. The Browns and Beckham are hopeful of a strong return from reconstructive knee surgery.
Maybe he does. But it is worth remembering that Beckham has lost 42 percent of his games (27 of 64) in the last four seasons due to injuries. The Browns need depth in that position, especially proven players. They have Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones and KhaDarel Hodge, in addition to Higgins.
This is the same group of receivers as last season. Peoples-Jones may take a big step forward in 2021, after its promising year of limited role debut. The Browns know exactly what they have in Higgins.
Today’s conclusion: Higgins is back and I’m happy.
I bet I’m not the only one.
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