Cleveland Browns: 4 Running Backs that Risk Being Cut
Jul 28, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) hands the ball off to
Chris Ogbonnaya(25) during training camp at Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns’ training camp is going to full pads today and some of the new faces to the team will get to show off their skills including the running backs. This position has become a hot battle for a spot on the roster between the new faces and last year’s veterans. The Browns will probably only keep 3-4 spots open for the run game, and with the addition of new talent has some veteran Browns worried to keep their spots. Let’s look at the players up on the chopping block that risk being let go:
Dion Lewis had the potential to be a backup runner on this team last year when he was brought in via trade from Philadelphia. Lewis then tore his ACL during preseason and was a loss for the year. The chances were even better for Lewis this year after Trent Richardson was traded and they signed Willis McGahee to a one year deal. Then the off-season and Draft came. and now Lewis will have to work hard just to make the team. He will have to beat out rookie, Isaiah Crowell, to make the team. Lewis still has a shot considering that Crowell has some issues of his own that may prevent him from the Browns from keeping him.
Edwin Baker looks to be another casualty of the new running regime in Cleveland. Baker filled in last year and succeeded towards the end of the season, but his lack of size and talent will keep him from making the final 53 man roster. Baker may have a shot at making the practice squad, or just looking for a new squad to play for.
- Isaiah Crowell
Crowell was brought in as a undrafted free agent right after this past draft. Many expected him to be drafted because of his talents on the field but his off field issues had many in question. Crowell was the rookie SEC Rookie of the Year in 2011 at Georgia before transferring to Alabama State after being dismissed from the team. Crowell will look to compete with Dion Lewis for probably the last spot at the position. Crowell needs to prove there won’t be anymore off-field issues and that he has the skills to be a situational back and can compete for the back up spot.
Isaiah Crowell: Man of Mystery (Opens in New Window)
- Chris Ogbonnaya
Ogbonnaya will more than likely make the team as a full back, but not as a running back like last year. With the team trying to convert MarQuise Gray from tight end to full back, Ogbonnaya is the only fullback with experience on the team and will have to show Gray and rookie Ray Agnew the ropes. The advantage he has over the other full backs is he can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. So look for him to make the final squad, just as a skilled full back.
The two guys that definitely will be making the 53-man roster as of now are Ben Tate and Terrence West. Tate will look to prove that he is more than just Arian Foster’s back up and can be a starting running back in the league. Challenging him though is a rookie that set multiple records in college in Terrence West. West was drafted in the 3rd round of this past year and is looking for a breakout rookie season. Both are about the same size and weight, and know they are competing against each other. West may challenge to steal some touches and force the Browns to play more of a committee backfield then let Tate take over.
What do you think?