The Cleveland Browns selected Colorado State wide receiver Rashard Higgins in the 5th round of the 2016 NFL Draft this past April. Higgins produced exceptional numbers his sophomore season of college, totaling 96 receptions for 1,750 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Higgins’ reception yards was the most at the college level since Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams’ put up 1,832 yards for Baylor in 2012.
Both his junior year and final season, Higgins didn’t live up to the high expectations he set for himself, even still, the Colorado State standout posted 74 receptions, 1,061 receiving, and eight touchdowns. It should be noted Colorado State underwent significant changes in their coaching staff and style of play. A new head coach and quarterback shifted the system, which was previously geared towards Higgins.
Despite this, the Colorado State junior still earned first team All-Mountain West honors after breaking university records for receptions (239), receiving yards (3,649) and touchdowns (31).
Amid running a below-average 40-yard dash time and unable to replicate his superior 2014 season, Higgins was picked up by the Cleveland Browns in the 5th round with overall 172nd pick. Coming off of a 3-13 record in 2015, the Browns were desperate to acquire upgrades at the wide receiver position. After drafting Corey Coleman – the first wideout off the board with the No. 8 pick – the Browns went out and drafted several others including Jordan Payton, Ricardo Louis and Higgins.
Among the four wide receivers taken by the Browns, there is no doubt Higgins was the most productive in college. As a matter of fact, it would be difficult to find any receiver the last several years that was more productive than Higgins. Talent is not a question with the rookie, and neither is confidence.
Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins.
The three-year college standout measures at 6’1” and 196 lbs. while posting a 32 ½ inch vertical jump. He excels at tracking down the deep ball and with a quick one-two step from the line, Higgins’ burst is key to his separation skills. A level of expectations has been set for Higgins when it comes to big plays as he has established himself as a reliable threat at all times on the field. Whether it’s tracking down deep balls or making plays after the catch, Higgins assures defenders they will hear his name early and often.
The Cleveland Browns are convinced they have the “ultimate weapon” in Duke Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Crowell has proved to be no slump himself. The two add up to be quite the combination, one in which head coach Hue Jackson and running backs coach Kirby Wilson believe will be the focus of the Browns offense. Wilson explained the plan for the Browns’ offense in 2016 and is fully behind Jackson’s philosophy of being run-oriented.
“We’re going to be a run-oriented football team,” Wilson said. “Everything starts with the run game, our offensive line and our backs. As coach told us, we’re going to be a physically dominant, running football team.”
That being said, the pressure will be lighter on 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III as he takes over the Cleveland Browns quarterback spot. RGIII was benched for Kirk Cousins in 2015 and looks to revive what was once thought to be a historical career. Although Josh Gordon would be a great addition to a rather young receiving core, he is still suspended by the NFL but is able to apply for reinstatement on August 1 after being denied for failing another drug test this past March. Legendary Cleveland Brown Jim Brown recently went on the record backing Gordon’s efforts to clean up his act and get back on the field stating “he really seemed ready to take responsibility for himself.”
Gordon would be a great help to the young receivers including Higgins, but until then the 2016 draftees are in position to make an impact out of the gate to begin the NFL season. Both Coleman and Higgins are in the best spot to corral significant minutes as they dominated at the collegiate level and are highly talented players – especially for rookies.
Higgins is currently the favorite to be the Cleveland Browns’ No. 3 wide receiver in 2016. According to Browns Insider Pat McManamon, Higgins has impressed in OTA’s. McManamon believes he’ll be the No. 3 wideout behind Corey Coleman and Andrew Hawkins entering the 2016 NFL season.
Hawkins played under HueJackson with the Cincinnati Bengals his first several seasons and has yet to replicate that success in Cleveland. Under Jackson you might see Hawkins flourish.
Pat also said he expects Coleman-Hawkins to start and that Higgins is the favorite for 3 duties…
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) July 14, 2016
Although Coleman is favorite to be the number one receiver for the Cleveland Browns, Rashard Higgins will have the chance to solidify his nickname of “Hollywood” in 2016 as he hopes to establish himself as a legitimate starting wide receiver in the NFL.
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