Cleveland Browns: Five running back the Browns could target in the draft

The Cleveland Browns head into the offseason with questions at running back. These five backs could be in the Browns future.

For those of us who suffered through another season of Isaiah Crowell as the Cleveland Browns No. 1 running back, the prospect of selecting a different running back in the 2018 NFL Draft is intriguing.

Among the attributes a future running back for the Browns needs is the ability to execute zone schemes along with power schemes. Crowell could not execute zone-based schemes and would often fall over into what he thought was a hole. Crowell has a serious balance issue and fell over constantly when running the ball.  It got so bad, my kids came up with a code for every time Crowell fell over and a text would come in reading, “What’s your point Vanessa?”

Crowell is an unrestricted free agent now and is unlikely that he will re-sign with the Browns. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent, any compensatory pick the Browns would receive due to Crowell’s departure is a bonus.

Duke Johnson is a great situational back who is most effective running zone schemes and as a receiver coming out of the backfield. His electric style and ability to make defenders miss make him an ideal option on third down.

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Unfortunately, Johnson seems to get injured when his workload gets too high. He will often come off the field with minor injuries. He also seems to fumble at the most inopportune time.

In all, adding another running back in the draft makes the most sense. Drafting running backs high in the draft have paid off for teams like the Dallas Cowboys with Ezekiel Elliot , the Jacksonville Jaguars with Leonard Fournette and the Los Angeles Rams with Todd Gurley.

This offseason it could be the Browns who change the fortunes of the franchise by drafting a high-end running back and here is a look at the top five running backs available on draft night.

The first and best option for the Browns would be to draft Saquon Barkley out of Penn State University. Barkley was far and away the best all-around running back last college football season. His size (5-foot-11 and 223 pounds) makes him big enough to carry the load as a feature back.  His ability to run away from defenders (4.49 in the 40-yard dash), combined with his ability to catch the ball, makes Barkley an every-down back who can take over a game.

If the Browns covet the services of Barkley, they will need to draft him at either No. 1 or No. 4 in the first round. He is considered by many to be the best player (along with Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick) in the draft. The Browns must decide what direction they are going with quarterback and how to best address the issues in the secondary before taking Barkley.

Barkley is by far the most electric and game changing player available, but holes at quarterback and the defensive secondary my force the Browns to pass on him.

Second would be Derrius Guice out of Louisiana State University.  Guice has the size (5-foot-11 and 212 pounds) to be a workhorse back in the NFL. After serving as the primary backup to Fournette while at LSU, Guice came on in 2017 in his role as a starter. His speed is above average (4.52 40-yard dash), but he runs with power and finesse. He has everything a team could ask for out of an every-down back. He is not as big or as fast as Barkley but remains an outstanding option for the Browns.

If the Browns want the services of Guice they may have to trade back up into the first round. Guice is mocked to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 16 in Matt Miller’s most recent mock draft. There would be better running back options at the fourth pick in the draft. Should be Browns trade back from the fourth pick, Guice could be in play. However, should the Browns pick at one and four, Guice would cost too much draft capital to trade back up to select.

The third option would be Ronald Jones out of the USC. Jones has been a relative unknown coming out of USC given the hype that has surrounded their quarterback (and potential first overall pick) Sam Darnold.

Jones’ speed (4.55 40-yard dash) and elusiveness is the key to his game. He added weight heading into his senior year, which allowed him to run inside more. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, Jones is more of a speed back than a power back. The Browns have a speed back in Johnson, but Jones’ ability to make plays could make him an option for the Browns.

The Browns could take a chance that Jones would fall to them in the second round. But if they want Jones, they may need to trade back up into the first round to get him. Another issue would be his skill set and size. Jones is not built like an every-down back. With the presence of Johnson, the Browns need to draft a power back to make head coach Hue Jackson’s offense work. Jones may be the pick, but he may not be the best fit schematically.

Another option could be Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson, who fits the mold of a power back that could fit Jackson’s scheme. His jump pass touchdown help set the tone for Auburn’s win over Alabama. His size (6 feet and 212 pounds) and speed (4.54 40-yard dash) put him square in the range for an NFL power back. He shows excellent vision, ability to make cuts and straight-line running power.

Johnson would make an excellent backfield mate along with Duke Johnson as their skills would complement each other. Kerryon Johnson’s ability to play in both zone and power schemes, as he showed at Auburn, would make him a serious upgrade at the position for the Browns, but would not put the group into an elite status. If the Browns want Johnson, they should be able to acquire him early in the second round.

The final option is Sony Michel, who made a name for himself in the SEC Championship game and first round of the college football playoffs.

Michel split carries this season with teammate Nick Chubb (who could be a serious option as well), but what separates Michel from Chubb is his ability to block and contribute as a receiver on third downs. His size (5-foot-11 and 212 pounds) and speed (4.49 40-yard dash) make him a speed option in the backfield. He needs to improve his ball security skills at the next level, however.

If the Browns are interested in Michel, he should be available at the beginning of the second round. His greatest asset is his speed, which when combined with straight line power makes him a three-down option for the Browns. Michel would pair well with Duke Johnson as dual threat backs. The Browns may not look to Michel as they may prefer a bigger power back along the lines of Chubb, who could be had later in the draft.

Of these options, the plans for quarterback and defensive back will determine where they decide to pick up a running back. With Crowell most likely not returning, the question becomes “how important is running back in the offense?” Answering that question will determine where a new back is found.

Next: Browns draft pool grows deeper

The Browns need to draft the best running back available, and that player is Saquon Barkley. Recent running backs have shown how the right pick can elevate a team quicker than picking the right quarterback as a developmental project. In the Browns case, they may be able to get their development quarterback at No. 1 overall, then pick up Barkley at No. 4.

Draft Barkley and maybe the Browns can win a game next year.