A Rookie Speedster Highlights Browns Standouts in Preseason Finale
Browns Players That Took Advantage of Final Preseason Action
The Cleveland Browns suffered a defeat at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks in their preseason finale. The game that took place Saturday night featured some big plays en route to a 37-33 Seahawks win.
With just three preseason games this year, there is less game action for players to make their mark. Although a lot is decided heading into preseason games, there are plenty of spots up for grabs for every team across the league.
Many players made plays for the Browns as they showed life throughout the battle out west. Here are a few guys that stood out above the rest.
Wide Receiver Jamari Thrash Shines in Preseason Finale
The 23-year-old rookie out of Louisville stepped up for the offense in the preseason finale. Jamari Thrash hauled in four of his six targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. He showcased his abilities on a nice 46-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.
Thrash has shown in the preseason that he has speed and hands that could be ready to step up if needed. The Browns took him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, showing that he is their guy at receiver to add to a solid core.
He will be behind a handful of more proven wideouts during the regular season. On the bright side, he has already climbed the depth chart in the eyes of many. The Browns added their wide receiver two this offseason. However, other than the top three guys, there is plenty of room for debate. Thrash could be as high as wide receiver four for the orange and brown if he keeps opening eyes the way he did in the preseason finale.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley
The 26-year-old quarterback and former Raven had a very good game and threw the most passes of anyone on the Browns. He completed 17 of 22 passes for 146 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Huntley was also the second-highest PFF grade in the game for the Browns.
Tyler Huntley threw one touchdown in the third and two in the fourth to help narrow the gap the Browns had given themselves. Unfortunately, he is in a crowded room of quarterbacks especially when it comes to the next two after Deshaun Watson.
Huntley was one of the better backups in the league behind Lamar Jackson in his time with the rival Ravens. He had 11 total touchdowns and threw for nearly 2,000 yards in his four seasons with the team where he saw action in a handful of games each season. Additionally, the Browns are reportedly shopping Dorian Thompson-Robinson. A move by him would open up a spot that would likely be Huntley’s in the quarterback room.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate
The 23-year-old linebacker played in 16 games for the Browns in 2023 but registered just eight total tackles along with a fumble recovery. Furthermore, he saw limited action in a linebacking room that had more experienced and proven players.
He took his opportunity in the preseason finale and ran with it against the Seahawks with three solo tackles and a sack, making plays in his time on the field. Although the Browns added two linebackers in the offseason, they added Mohamoud Diabate as an undrafted free agent last season.
In a game where they gave up a lot of points, Diabate was one of the few that showcased that they belong on the active roster. With many important decisions looming, Diabate, Huntley, and Thrash made their case for roster spots and playing time.
Main Photo Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
