The quarterback battle between Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown grabs headlines for the Browns, but their running back competition is even more intense. Cleveland has three backs who have failed to distinguish themselves thus far, and the group might be getting bigger.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is bullish on Ray Rice getting a second chance in the NFL following his elevator knockout of his then-fiancee Janay Palmer, and there are reports of the Browns having internal discussions about bringing him in.
Manziel Should Have McCown Worried
Browns owner Jimmy Haslem on Ray Rice "I'd like to see him get another shot". Tells me they want to see what team's young RBs can do first.
— bob holtzman (@BobHoltzmanESPN) August 13, 2015
How would Rice fare if he was injected into this competition? Let’s break down the Browns' rushers. Along with each guy’s name, you’ll find his fantasy football average draft position, courtesy of FantasyPros.com.
The Texans Should Really Think About Signing Ray Rice
Isaiah Crowell (ADP: 84)
Crowell is the presumed frontrunner, and of the backs in camp, he performed best in 2014, with 684 rushing yards and eight TDs after starting only four games. Touchdowns rule the roost in fantasy, and you’ll take the high touchdown guy over the skilled back that has a ton of yards from scrimmage before yielding to the big boy.
Crowell is more than just a goal line masher, but his biggest issue is fumbling. He let the ball hit the turf three times last season, and if that continues, he’ll be in the doghouse -- which would be very annoying for fantasy owners.
Duke Johnson (ADP: 149)
In terms of ADP, Johnson is currently the last guy in the top-50 at running back. He’s a bowling ball kind of guy, checking in at 5-9 and a cool 206 pounds. He posted back-to-back 10-touchdown seasons with the Hurricanes, and the Browns used a third-round pick on him, meaning they intend to have him contribute.
His receiving chops are impressive, but right now he’s hurt and getting no reps. That hurts a rookie’s stock, and if Rice gets brought in, Johnson becomes basically irrelevant until he shows you something in-season.
Terrance West (ADP: 184)
West is basically a forgotten man. He showed flashes of being highly productive last year, but overall his 3.9 yards per carry behind a very good offensive line leaves much to be desired. He’s a bit of a plodder; the Browns kind of know what they’ll get from him, and while it can be above average at times, he has none of the sizzle of Crowell or Johnson.
Ray Rice (ADP: 233)
Rice is getting picked in drafts even though he has no team yet and, quite possibly, might be getting blackballed by NFL owners. If he joined the Browns, his ADP will skyrocket because he’d instantly become the odds-on favorite for touches.
Rice, at his best, is a three-down back who is excellent between the tackles and catching passes. Thing is, in 2013—the last year he was playing—Rice was far from his best. He lost 1.3 yards off his per carry rate from the previous season and scored only four touchdowns. Those were pathetic numbers for a guy who was off the board in the first round of most drafts, coming off double-digit TDs in 2011 and 2012.
Prediction: Even if Rice does sign with Cleveland, do NOT draft him thinking you’re getting an RB1. If he signs, he’s the lead dog, but Crowell will matter. If the Browns take a pass, draft Crowell comfortably as a solid RB2. Johnson will get his touches as the weeks wear on, but he will not be a necessary handcuff.
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