Cleveland Browns Draft Profile: San Diego State RB Rashaad Penny

The Cleveland Browns have a good running back group, but could they be tempted to add a talented player like San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny

The Cleveland Browns already have a good running back in Duke Johnson Jr. and added Carlos Hyde in free agency. They should be comfortable going into the 2018 NFL Season with this depth chart, but what if Rashaad Penny from San Diego State is available at the right spot in the 2018 NFL Draft?

Let’s look deeper at what the ultra-productive Penny will bring to the table for the Browns, or whoever winds up selecting him.

Strengths

Penny checked in at 5-foot-11 and 220-pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is more than enough size for a feature back in the NFL. Despite that size, he has solid speed on film and ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash.

Related Story: Cleveland Browns Draft Profile: Ronald Jones II

What was most impressive about his tape is how he often lined up in an I-formation and ran between the tackles. He was quick and decisive, which leads to him finding the open lanes. A good example of this is when he ran for 175 yards against Stanford in a September game during the 2017 season.

He finished his senior season with 2,248 yards and 23 touchdowns. His level of competition wasn’t the same as backs like Saquon Barkley, but those numbers are still impressive.

Weaknesses

Penny wasn’t used often as a receiver, catching just 19 passes in his final season. He is also an upright runner, which can lead to a large number of fumbles. He also doesn’t run behind the pads and fails to break many strong tackles.

Next: First-Round mock nets QB for Browns

Overall

The Browns wouldn’t be hurting if they avoided the position, but if Penny is on the board with their later second-round selection, he could be in play. Adding him behind Hyde and Johnson gives them a strong group and protects against any long term injuries.