The preseason is finally over as the Cleveland Browns wrapped things up with the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. A 37-33 loss means the Browns will finish 0-3 but the record isn't what matters in the preseason.
Instead, it's all about who shows off their talent as everyone fights for their spot on the 53-man roster. With that being said, here's a look at five players who were winners in this one and three who could have done better.
Winner: Mohamoud Diabate, LB
With Jordan Hicks and Nathaniel Watson being added in the offseason, there's suddenly some stiff competition at linebacker. Mohamoud Diabate made the roster as an undrafted free agent in 2023 but didn't make a huge impact. That meant he wasn't guaranteed anything this year.
Diabate proved he understood the urgency he needed to bring to the field as he had three tackles and a sack. Facing a third down in the first half, Sam Howell escaped pressure from Mike Hall, Jr. but couldn't get away from Diabate who took him down for a four-yard loss.
There were several linebacker in play for a spot but the Florida product likely sealed things with his play on Saturday.
Loser: Chase Williams, S
A late signing after injuries depleted the safety corps, Chase Williams stood out against Minnesota as he recorded six tackles. This week, he again drew attention but not for a good reason.
Williams was the final defender Kenny McIntosh passed en route to a 56-yard touchdown. At first, Williams appeared to be taking an odd angle but he recovered and had a chance to take the running back down. That didn't happen, however, as McIntosh stiff-armed Williams and continued on his way to the end zone.
Winner: Cedric Tillman, WR
We finally saw Cedric Tillman put up the performance he's capable of on Saturday. Throughout the offseason, Tillman has been praised for showing up in better shape and had worked on improving his routes. The results were mixed in the first two preseason games but against Seatlle, he was clicking on all cylinders.
Tillman was huge in their 61-yard drive in the first quarter, hauling in a 23 yarder, a six-yarder, and 19 yarder from Jameis Winston. They didn't score on that drive after going for it on fourth-down but in the regular season, they would have had three points thanks primarily to No. 19.
He finished with 52 yards on four receptions, giving him plenty of momentum heading into the regular season.
Loser: Jeremiah Martin, DE
Against the Minnesota Vikings, Jeremiah Martin recorded two tackles and a sack. Despite his play, it was going to be tough for him to make the 53-man roster due to the Browns's depth at the position. Even so, he was making the most of his chances.
This weekend, that wasn't the case. Martin didn't make any positive plays for Cleveland but did help Seattle put points on the board late.
With a 27-20 lead, the Seahawks were looking to answer a TD pass from Tyler Huntley. They did that with a 70-yard drive and one-yard touchdown from George Holani. That score shouldn't have happened as P.J. Walker was picked off by Tyler Cole. Unfortunately, that didn't count since Martin was flagged for roughing the passer, giving Seattle the ball back - with a 15-yard gain.
Winner: Jamari Thrash, WR
As impressive as Tillman was, Jamari Thrash was even better.
The fifth-round pick from Louisville has been playing well throughout the preseason and saved his best for the final preseason game. With the Browns trailing 14-3, Thrash broke free behind the secondary, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson delivered a perfect pass. Thrash hauled it in for a 46-yard touchdown which was his first in the NFL.
He ended his day with 73 yards on four catches with the score.
Loser: Elijah Moore, WR
It wasn't as if Elijah Moore didn't deliver in this one. He never truly had a chance to do so as he had one reception for seven yards and one rushing attempt for one yard. The problem is that he remains someone the Browns aren't sure how to utilize.
Kevin Stefanski has continued to try and get him going with the end around. It was a nightmare in 2023 and resulted in one yard against Seattle.
Meanwhile, Cedric Tillman looks vastly improved and Thrash is a big play waiting to happen. Even Michael Woods II seems more dangerous in this offense. None of that bodes well for Moore who needs to have a big campaign this season as he enters the final year of his contract.
Winner: Michael Woods, II
A sixth-round pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma, Michael Woods II missed his second season due to an Achilles injury - and was suspended for the final six games as well. He's back and healthy and has shown out all preseason.
He capped things off with a dominant performance in Week 3, hauling in five receptions for 53 yards with two touchdowns. His second came at the end of the game and was a beauty as he stayed in bounds and high-pointed the ball over his defender.
It won't be easy for him to make it to this roster but he did enough to make the decision very difficult.
Winner: Tyler Huntley, QB
The third quarterback to play for Cleveland in this one was Tyler Huntley and he was impressive. He threw a six-yard touchdown to James Proche II to cut the lead to seven. When Seattle answered with another touchdown, he moved the ball right back down the field and scored another TD.
Huntley started this drive with a 29-yard dime to Jaelon Darden, found Aidan Robbins on a scramble for 12 yards, then dropped a 12-yard pass into the arms of Michael Woods II. He was unable to get the two-point conversion but even that was exciting to watch.
Huntley finished with 146 yards and three touchdowns on 17-of-22 passing. It was a strong end for a solid preseason run from the former Baltimore Ravens backup.
Cleveland has arguably the deepest QB room in the NFL right now. Barring a trade, Huntley is likely the one being let go when roster cuts are made. If so, he's done enough to earn a shot elsewhere.
