Cleveland Browns Season Preview
Aug 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate (44) scores a touchdown against Chicago Bears CJ Wilson (25) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy Football Contributors
The Cleveland Browns may be lean on Fantasy Football contributors but that doesn’t mean they will not have any. Here are a few that you should keep an eye on for your draft or throughout the season:
Defense – As covered the Browns defense is the strength of their team. Mike Pettine’s defense led the league last year in sacks. This defense may be more talented. With exotic blitz packages, and tons of talent, the Browns defense could rack up the turnovers and big plays. For ADP leagues Justin Gilbert, with Joe Haden being avoided, could have a ton of interceptions and big plays. Barkevous Mingo also looks to have a breakout season under Pettine and could rack up sacks, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.
Ben Tate – The Browns barely ran the ball and threw it far to often last year. Expect those stats to flip flop. That means Tate could get a ton of touches, especially now that Pettine considers him a 3 down back. While the Browns will run the ball a ton, Tate will also be a force in the receiving game. Whether it is screens or just dump offs, expect Tate to get around 40 catches this season if he is healthy. Isaiah Crowell, and not Terrance West, could get the call if Tate gets injured.
Jordan Cameron – Cameron will be drafted as a top end tight end, even though he is likely nearer to 6th or 7th in production this year. The talent is there but, with few other options on the offense, defenses will lock in on him often. He is the lone redzone threat with size so he could make up for any lack of receptions or yards with touchdowns.
Andrew Hawkins – In a PPR league Hawkins could be a solid backup. He won’t get a ton of yards but he should be targeted in all short yardage situations and his release moves make him deadly in the redzone. He works well in tight spaces and if he can get on the same page with Brian Hoyer, he could be the answer to the question Davone Bess was suppose to answer last year.