Cleveland Browns: 3 Players who could be traded during the 2019 NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
1. Duke Johnson, RB
Last but not least, we have running back Duke Johnson. Another fan favorite, Johnson had an up and down season in 2018. After signing an extension with the club, he began the year behind Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb but then suddenly saw his usage increase when Hyde was traded away. This coincided with head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley being let go of their respective duties.
Those first two games with Freddie Kitchens calling the plays as the interim offensive coordinator saw a different Johnson. He had two touchdown receptions against the Chiefs in Week 9 and added another the following week when they beat the Atlanta Falcons at home. From there, his numbers dropped and Johnson never crossed the goal line again.
Then in the offseason, the team added Kareem Hunt and although he will be suspended the first eight games, he pushes Duke back down the depth chart when he does return. This, understandably, led to Johnson requesting a trade which is something the team has not yet shown any intention of doing.
"“Browns Dorsey on Duke Johnson: ‘He’s a member of this organization moving forward.’ He said Freddie Kitchens views him as a vital part of offense. Says Johnson’s trade request doesn’t change anything”. — Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com"
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Still, there’s a chance someone could call them during the draft and offer up a draft pick that makes the Browns change their stance. It would be hard to see Johnson go, but it would be the least shocking move of any considering the fact that he’s come out and asked the team to allow him to have a fresh start elsewhere.