Browns’ Hodge refuses to be forgotten in WR competition

CLEVELAND — Khadarel Hodge entered last season as the No. 3 wide receiver on an ultra-talented Browns offense.

You wouldn’t know it, though, with the way he has been overshadowed this summer.

Hodge fought back Sunday and refused to be a forgotten man in the team’s intriguing competition at receiver. He had two catches on four targets for 21 yards and a touchdown in the Browns’ 17-13 win over the New York Giants in the second preseason game, a battle of the backups for both teams.

Hodge’s leaping 7-yard touchdown catch in the front left corner of the end zone behind the coverage of cornerback Madre Harper with 7:19 remaining in the first quarter provided a reminder that the coaching staff has loved Hodge for a long while.

Hodge hadn’t caught a touchdown pass since his NFL preseason debut on Aug. 9, 2018, when he played for the Los Angeles Rams.

“It felt amazing,” he said. Hodge entered the second of the 2021 Browns’ three preseason games in need of a lift.

“Every opportunity counts, and you never know when it could be your last,” Hodge said. “Everything is important in the receiving room.”

Starters Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, unofficial training camp MVP Donovan Peoples-jones and Rashard Higgins, a favorite of quarterback Baker Mayfield, are locks to make the team.

The Browns will also want to keep rookie third-round draft pick Anthony Schwartz, who has been hindered by hamstring issues.

If six receivers make the team — and they probably will — Hodge would likely need to prevail over Jojo Natson to stick around. Hodge is a special teams ace, and he’s proud of it. Natson is the team’s first-string kickoff and punt returner.

“Everybody plays special teams here, and we’re going to need everybody to do so,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Hodge certainly understands his role.”

Rookie sixth-round choice Demetric Felton is expected to make the team and could supplant Natson as a dual returner.

Although Hodge has been surpassed on the depth chart by Peoples-jones, Hodge strengthened his case Sunday to remain on that chart when the real games begin.

Hodge said he doesn’t dwell daily on where he fits in the receiving pecking order “because it would drive me crazy.”

Newsome gains advantage

When Greedy Williams suffered a groin injury in the first quarter Sunday, it only enhanced the chances of rookie first-round draft pick Greg Newsome to win the starting cornerback job opposite Denzel Ward.

Newsome has long been viewed as the favorite in the position battle. Williams has been putting up a good fight, but he didn’t play last season after suffering nerve damage in a shoulder, and now he’ll need to overcome a groin injury. Right now, Newsome is well positioned to start in Week 1.

“Incredible athlete,” veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith said of Newsome, who also took some snaps at nickelback Sunday. “He’s got a great feel for the game, good ball skills, everything you want in a corner.”

DAVID DERMER/AP Browns wide receiver Khadarel Hodge catches a 7-yard touchdown pass against Giants cornerback Madre Harper during Sunday’s preseason game.