Cleveland Browns: Ideal roles for the running back room

Cleveland Browns Ideal Role for Running Back Demetric Felton

Utility Player

The case for Demetric Felton to make the Browns roster is a very unique one to get into. Felton is able to be a guy who can line up in the backfield as a running back or out wide as a receiver. That can clearly help a player make a roster, but it might not be so easy with the Browns this year.

If Felton does in fact make the roster, it will be as likely running back No. 4 on the depth chart. If that is the case, he might not see the field much as there are three other guys ahead of him, the top two being the more talented. In his rookie season last year, Felton rushed just seven times for 24 yards.

Many fans want to keep him around so he can be utilized as a receiver. That isn’t a bad option and last year he showed he can make some plays when the ball is thrown to him. He caught 18 of his 21 targets for 181 yards and two touchdowns. That could be a way head coach Kevin Stefanski decides to utilize Felton’s skillset within this offense, especially with Watson at quarterback.

One thing that hurts Felton’s chances of making the roster as a receiver is the fact that the Browns signed wide receiver Jakeem Grant in the offseason. Grant won’t be relied upon much in the receiving game but can fill the slot and use his speed to his advantage.

Speaking of Grant, while he won’t be a primary receiver, he will be assigned to returning kickoffs and punts, which is another spot that is taken from Felton. One thing that could help Felton is the fact he turns 24 in July. If he does make the roster, expect him to be used as a running back and receiver at different times.