The Cleveland Browns continue to look for depth at the running back position and second-year player Raheem Mostert is looking to make his mark.
Heading into training camp there were several positions up for grabs on the Cleveland Browns. One area that did not seem to be in question, however, was at running back.
Isaiah Crowell, the team’s leading rusher in 2015, and Duke Johnson, who was third in receptions, are expected to hold down the top spots at the position. Terrell Watson, a favorite of head coach Hue Jackson who signed with the Browns shortly after Jackson was hired, seemed likely to find a role with the team as well. (As we’ve seen with Robert Griffin III and Terrelle Pryor, if Jackson wants a player he’s going to get them.)
But can second-year running back Raheem Mostert find a way to break into that group?
In addition to the Browns, Mostert spent time last season with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins, appearing in a combined 11 games as a returner on the kickoff team.
Which is why it was a bit surprising to see Mostert lead the Browns in rushing on Friday night against the Green Bay Packers, finishing with 43 yards on five carries, including a run of 27 yards.
“I just I have to continue to strive and try to be perfect in my game like (running backs coach/run game coordinator Kirby Wilson) talks about,” Mostert told the team’s website. “He always says, ‘Focus on the little details and that ultimately helps your career.’ That’s just something that I’ve been trying to work on throughout this training camp is just focus on my details and fundamentals and trying to figure out how I can be a better back.”
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While Mostert made the most of his opportunity on offense, he struggled in the area that is his speciality – the return game – by fumbling a kickoff. But his willingness to volunteer to return punts, something he has rarely done before, will endear him to a coaching staff that is looking for players that are willing to go the extra step.
“I texted (special teams coordinator) Chris Tabor and I was just like, ‘Hey, look, I know that position is somewhat open and … that’s a challenge that I want to do just to add value to the team and to show that I do have versatility in that phase and that I can provide some type of value to that part of the game,’ ” Mostert said. “That’s what I’ve been trying to work on. I’ve been doing it since I was younger. I just never really got into the game and done it. It was a new experience for me, but I enjoyed it. I took on the challenge.”
Even with three preseason games remaining, Mostert’s opportunities may be limited the next two weeks as Jackson looks to get Crowell and Johnson ready for the regular season. The decision between Mostert and Watson could come down to the final preseason game on Sept. 1 against the Chicago Bears, a game where the starters sit and the backups have one final chance to shine.
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But if Mostert continues to embrace his opportunities the way he did against the Packers, he may find himself in the conversation for more than a special teams role this fall.