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Who is Trent Richardson's handcuff? (1 Viewer)

Sabertooth

Sabertooth

Footballguy
I was encouraged by this news:

Jason La Canfora reports "there is every expectation" that Trent Richardson (leg) will be ready for the start of training camp.

Analysis: Initially, there were reports that Richardson would miss much of August as he recovers from a shin issue, but both coach Rob Chudzinski and Richardson have insisted that he'll be on the field participating in team drills in late July. Being that it's June, Richardson's "injury" has been blown out of proportion.

However Trent has been hurt quite a lot dating back to college. There is the theory that Alabama backs are pretty used up entering the league due to their use in college. But Norv Turner is in town and he's really produced elite running backs when he has been an OC. Of course those backs are Emmitt Smith, Ladainian Tomlinson, Ricky Williams and Frank Gore. But the success is undeniable.

According to this article on BleacherReport:

Ladainian Tomlinson rushed for 1,236 yards in his rookie season. Frank Gore had a career-high of 1,695 rushing yards. Ricky Williams led the NFL with 1,853 rushing yards.

Those are substantial totals. And one has to think Richardson is in line for a very solid season unless he gets hurt. He has talent on par with those other guys and his line is solid. But if he does get hurt, what happens? Is Hardesty the guy still despite his injury history? Dion Lewis seems too small to be a feature back but there is precedence. Who else is there? Who is the guy to own on the cheap as insurance against a Richardson injury?

 
They traded for dion lewis, so it tells me they have some type of plan for him. Sproles had success under Turner as well....... Slight frame and all.

 
domvin said:
They traded for dion lewis, so it tells me they have some type of plan for him. Sproles had success under Turner as well....... Slight frame and all.
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Hardesty. With Richardson healthy, Lewis will get more touches than Hardesty. However if Richardson goes down, Hardesty will get the major bulk of the carries.

At least that's how I would see it play out.

 
ghostguy123 said:
domvin said:
They traded for dion lewis, so it tells me they have some type of plan for him. Sproles had success under Turner as well....... Slight frame and all.
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Hardesty. With Richardson healthy, Lewis will get more touches than Hardesty. However if Richardson goes down, Hardesty will get the major bulk of the carries.

At least that's how I would see it play out.
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I'd agree with this, with the one caveat being that it wouldn't completely surprise me if Dion became the bellcow if Trent went down. He's been looking good in camp.

 
Frankbot said:
ghostguy123 said:
domvin said:
They traded for dion lewis, so it tells me they have some type of plan for him. Sproles had success under Turner as well....... Slight frame and all.
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Hardesty. With Richardson healthy, Lewis will get more touches than Hardesty. However if Richardson goes down, Hardesty will get the major bulk of the carries.

At least that's how I would see it play out.
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I'd agree with this, with the one caveat being that it wouldn't completely surprise me if Dion became the bellcow if Trent went down. He's been looking good in camp.
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It also wouldnt surprise me if both Hardesty and Lewis were out of the league in a year.

But yeah, can't argue. Either one could easily pass the other.

 
I wouldnt touch either Lewis or Hardesty. Hardesty was a good prospect coming out but some guys don't come back from major injuries.

 
A guy like T-Rich who had knee surgery and missed all training camp his rookie season but grinded it out to start the first game of his rookie season, then played thru bustre ribs isn't a guy I would bet will miss many games due to injury.

He's proven that he's tough as nails and that he will play thrrough knee surgery and broken ribs so I wouldn't invest much in his hand-cuff but if you feel the need its Monteerio Hardesty.

 
Hardesty was relief last year and played decently well. I think he's the clear handcuff, and one worth having if you draft Richardson. He hasn't yet learned that he can't mow everyone over like he did in college.

 
Bracie Smathers said:
A guy like T-Rich who had knee surgery and missed all training camp his rookie season but grinded it out to start the first game of his rookie season, then played thru bustre ribs isn't a guy I would bet will miss many games due to injury.

He's proven that he's tough as nails and that he will play thrrough knee surgery and broken ribs so I wouldn't invest much in his hand-cuff but if you feel the need its Monteerio Hardesty.
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Generally, you're right. It shows a lot of heart and determination, ala Emmitt Smith back in the day. But in today's day and age, I tend to not give that as much credit as I would have ten years ago because the position's lifespan is so short anyways, I think players, in general, try to be smarter about things nowadays than they used to. I think they listen to their bodies and trainers a lot more now. I can definitely admire the commitment and I can understand doing it in his rookie year, for lots of personal and professional reasons but if he shows a tendency to be one of these players that just seems to have that "hang around" injury all the time, I don't think we will see the same story in a year or two.

Especially when it comes to players that everyone knows can be a difference maker, at some point, I would expect him to start saying "I've got to shut it down. Not because I want to but because I know I can be better...a lot better. So I need to shut it down and get completely healthy." There is nothing at all wrong with that type of action but it is the type that will cause a lot of disappointment to a FF owner in a year or two when they lose him for half a season.

Fred Taylor went this route and came out better for it for several seasons afterwards. With a guy like Trent Richardson, I think he can be a top RB but he has to be smart about it.

 
To lazy to post it but I read a tweet by Tony Grossi that went out just a few hours ago and he said that Lewis was RB3 and Ogboynanna was 2 or 4. Made no mention of Hardesty but I implied that based on backs currently on roster #2 job is between Hardesty and Ogboy.

 
menobrown said:
To lazy to post it but I read a tweet by Tony Grossi that went out just a few hours ago and he said that Lewis was RB3 and Ogboynanna was 2 or 4. Made no mention of Hardesty but I implied that based on backs currently on roster #2 job is between Hardesty and Ogboy.
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Tony Grossi‏@TonyGrossi2h

“@ChaseBurns2: do you see Ogby or Dion as third RB?”// Lewis 3. Ogby 2 or 4. I see 4 total.

From the official Cleveland Browns website, posted only four hours ago.

The first part of the article is devoted to Trent RIchardson being the primary RB, I'm assuming most know that T-Rich is the top back for the Browns.

The last part only lists Monterio Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya as backups.

No mention of Dion Lewis.

Last year Ogbonnaya was used as a third down pass catching and pass protecting RB.

T-Rich was less than perfect in blitz pickups so Silent-G had a valuable role splitting time as the third down RB where his hands and his ability to pick-up the blitz was utilized by last year's coaching staff.

Totally speculation on my part, but the fact the Browns didn't address the FB position makes me think Ogbannaya will see some time as an HB/FB type of role where he might even get some lead blocking dutires on early downs, not only as a third down specialist.

I see no reason to believe Hardesty will lose any traction as the primary backup.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Richardson-leads-hungry-group-of-backs/db037d53-81b0-4bc0-ad2f-3b4779360146

Richardson leads hungry group of backsPosted 4 hours ago

By Matt Florjancic, Staff Writer

...

Players to Watch:

Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya.

In relief of Richardson, Hardesty rushed for 271 yards and his first NFL touchdown on 65 attempts last season. His 4.2 yards-per-carry average was 1.2 yards more than what he averaged during the 2011 NFL season, when he carried the ball 88 times for 266 yards.

Ogbonnaya has spent two seasons with the Browns, and in that time, has proven himself able to help in the running game, pass-protection, and pass-receiving. Last season, Ogbonnaya was used mostly as a third-down running back, and caught a career-high 24 passes for 187 yards.

“Montario, really, just going back to the beginning of spring, April 1, has done a great job in the weight room,” coach Rob Chudzinski said. “He has put some muscle on and picked the offense up well. Just watching him on tape, and as a runner, he has the natural instincts and he is a slasher who has good vision. The thing I’ve really seen and been most impressed with is him catching the ball. I don't think he has dropped a pass out here. He has really worked a lot on his hands.

“Obie (Ogbonnaya) is the kind of guy who is dependable, accountable. You know he is going to be there and you know he is going to be doing the right things. His versatility really is something that will help us.”

 
Is it possible they'll just use a committee situation based on Obies and Hardesty different skill sets? I'd feel more comfortable with something like Ray Rice. You know Bernard Pierce is going to step in if he goes down.

 
Assuming Richardson injury, Hardesty probably gets first crack at the larger share of a committee. That said, he has been pedestrian over multiple season already. I don't think all of a sudden he becomes a good runner. He also doesn't have a chance to become a starter somewhere else. Unless you are in a deep league, you probably will have better options to start at RB. So if I have Richardson in redraft, I probably wouldn't bother with Hardesty, but he is technically the first handcuff.

In dynasty, it is a little different. Dion Lewis doesn't get credit for his fairly good measurables - 5 7 but almost 200 pounds. He is slow, but the ypc is surprisingly high. if Richardson goes down, I think over time Lewis clearly outperforms a pedestrian Hardesty and eventually displaces him. Whether he shows well enough for be the long-term handcuff or get a goog gig somewhere else - I don't enough. But there is upside potential. That's not the case with Hardesty or Ogbonnaya who are just roster spot wastes in dynasty.

Dion Lewis is the upside pick for me.

 
hardesty avg 4.2 yards per carry vs. 3.6 for richardson last year. just one stat but still pointing it out. if richardson went down it wouldn't surprise me to see hardesty do pretty well. He's always an injury risk though.

 
Does it matter? If i had to start Richardson's handcuff for any week i think i would be in real trouble,

 
Just a quick reminder about handcuffs. Some of you have already hinted at this, but I think it's worth noting directly.

Some are making some fairly big assumptions about the handcuff situation in Clevland specifically (which may not be anywhere close to true):

1) Many are operating under the assumption that a "handcuff" for a guy like Richardson will get a decent number of touches, simply because Richardson does/did. First off there are many reasons that's not the case - whoever the handcuff(s) is/are, they are not nearly as talented. As such there will be little point in "feeding the ball" to a guy like Hardesty or Lewis or Obie. Also, with Richardson out, the Browns will be far less effective on offense. As such, they will likely have fewer offensive drives.

2) There also seems to be the assumption that there will be 1 handcuff who gets the lion's share. Again, given the weaknesses of the 3 players being discussed and each of the limitations in various parts of their respective games, I think it is much more likely to be a RBBC situation if Richardson misses any significant time.

3) This has already been mentioned as well - Richardson played through broken ribs last season - and after just coming off knee surgery... as a rookie. If he does miss any time at all, it will likely be minimal.

I think it is a far better idea to look elsewhere for "true" handcuffs or even younger players with upside behind older or lesser talented vets, than Clevland. For example, I'd rather have Brown (either in Philly flavor or NYG flavor) as a "handcuff" or Ryan Williams in ARI. I am normally a "handcuff" guy in certain situations - this is not a situation where I think there is one worth rostering at this point.

 
Zimm said:
Does it matter? If i had to start Richardson's handcuff for any week i think i would be in real trouble,
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Of course it matters. Norv Turner is a running back's dream as a coordinator. If Richardson goes down, are you just going to give up?

 
DoubleG said:
Just a quick reminder about handcuffs. Some of you have already hinted at this, but I think it's worth noting directly.

Some are making some fairly big assumptions about the handcuff situation in Clevland specifically (which may not be anywhere close to true):

1) Many are operating under the assumption that a "handcuff" for a guy like Richardson will get a decent number of touches, simply because Richardson does/did. First off there are many reasons that's not the case - whoever the handcuff(s) is/are, they are not nearly as talented. As such there will be little point in "feeding the ball" to a guy like Hardesty or Lewis or Obie. Also, with Richardson out, the Browns will be far less effective on offense. As such, they will likely have fewer offensive drives.

2) There also seems to be the assumption that there will be 1 handcuff who gets the lion's share. Again, given the weaknesses of the 3 players being discussed and each of the limitations in various parts of their respective games, I think it is much more likely to be a RBBC situation if Richardson misses any significant time.

3) This has already been mentioned as well - Richardson played through broken ribs last season - and after just coming off knee surgery... as a rookie. If he does miss any time at all, it will likely be minimal.

I think it is a far better idea to look elsewhere for "true" handcuffs or even younger players with upside behind older or lesser talented vets, than Clevland. For example, I'd rather have Brown (either in Philly flavor or NYG flavor) as a "handcuff" or Ryan Williams in ARI. I am normally a "handcuff" guy in certain situations - this is not a situation where I think there is one worth rostering at this point.
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Andre and Bryce Brown would cost a lot to acquire whereas Hardesty isn't rostered in many mature dynasty leagues. Hardesty can be rostered for the opportunity cost of a roster spot. You'd have to pay a 2nd rounder at least for Bryce or Andre Brown + the roster spot.

Obviously I'd rather those backs. Ryan Williams is an interesting guy as well. I really like his opportunity but he just hasn't stayed healthy. He was drafted a year after Hardesty and hasn't done a thing yet compared to Hardesty (who hasn't done much at all).

 
Sabertooth said:
DoubleG said:
Just a quick reminder about handcuffs. Some of you have already hinted at this, but I think it's worth noting directly.

Some are making some fairly big assumptions about the handcuff situation in Clevland specifically (which may not be anywhere close to true):

1) Many are operating under the assumption that a "handcuff" for a guy like Richardson will get a decent number of touches, simply because Richardson does/did. First off there are many reasons that's not the case - whoever the handcuff(s) is/are, they are not nearly as talented. As such there will be little point in "feeding the ball" to a guy like Hardesty or Lewis or Obie. Also, with Richardson out, the Browns will be far less effective on offense. As such, they will likely have fewer offensive drives.

2) There also seems to be the assumption that there will be 1 handcuff who gets the lion's share. Again, given the weaknesses of the 3 players being discussed and each of the limitations in various parts of their respective games, I think it is much more likely to be a RBBC situation if Richardson misses any significant time.

3) This has already been mentioned as well - Richardson played through broken ribs last season - and after just coming off knee surgery... as a rookie. If he does miss any time at all, it will likely be minimal.

I think it is a far better idea to look elsewhere for "true" handcuffs or even younger players with upside behind older or lesser talented vets, than Clevland. For example, I'd rather have Brown (either in Philly flavor or NYG flavor) as a "handcuff" or Ryan Williams in ARI. I am normally a "handcuff" guy in certain situations - this is not a situation where I think there is one worth rostering at this point.
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Andre and Bryce Brown would cost a lot to acquire whereas Hardesty isn't rostered in many mature dynasty leagues. Hardesty can be rostered for the opportunity cost of a roster spot. You'd have to pay a 2nd rounder at least for Bryce or Andre Brown + the roster spot.

Obviously I'd rather those backs. Ryan Williams is an interesting guy as well. I really like his opportunity but he just hasn't stayed healthy. He was drafted a year after Hardesty and hasn't done a thing yet compared to Hardesty (who hasn't done much at all).
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In my main dynasty Hardesty is rostered - and one of the Browns will be available (whichever one of the two the owner decides to cut by roster cut down). Now Hardesty may get cut too and become available as well. But my point is that you perceive Hardesty's value to be higher than I think it will actually be in terms of production.

While I don't doubt that you may be able to roster Hardesty cheap, that doesn't make him a good deal. If he never has enough production or even the possibility of production to ever actually see your starting lineup (which I don't think he will), it is still a wasted roster spot.

While it's true that Brown (either) may have more value or be harder to get - that's because they actually have a chance to contribute to a FF team. There are many players who can be rostered cheaply in dynasty - that doesn't make them good value. Value is an equation of production vs. cost - not cost alone. If I had to try to assign a number, I'd say Hardesty has about 5% chance of being FF relevant in 2013 (i.e. productive enough where you would clearly start him over other RBs available on your roster or the WW) - B. Brown, more like 35%. A. Brown, at least 25% depending on how preseason usage shakes out. Williams could be at 10%. But to me, the 95% chance I wasted a roster spot on Hardesty is not worth the roster spot in the first place.

I think where you and I differ is what we think that % is. You likely think it higher than 5%. I don't - for anyone not named "Richardson" in the Cleveland backfield. To me there are other handcuffs and backups, some who can be had for Hardesty's price, who are more likely to be FF releveant in 2013 and forward.

 
Sabertooth said:
DoubleG said:
Just a quick reminder about handcuffs. Some of you have already hinted at this, but I think it's worth noting directly.

Some are making some fairly big assumptions about the handcuff situation in Clevland specifically (which may not be anywhere close to true):

1) Many are operating under the assumption that a "handcuff" for a guy like Richardson will get a decent number of touches, simply because Richardson does/did. First off there are many reasons that's not the case - whoever the handcuff(s) is/are, they are not nearly as talented. As such there will be little point in "feeding the ball" to a guy like Hardesty or Lewis or Obie. Also, with Richardson out, the Browns will be far less effective on offense. As such, they will likely have fewer offensive drives.

2) There also seems to be the assumption that there will be 1 handcuff who gets the lion's share. Again, given the weaknesses of the 3 players being discussed and each of the limitations in various parts of their respective games, I think it is much more likely to be a RBBC situation if Richardson misses any significant time.

3) This has already been mentioned as well - Richardson played through broken ribs last season - and after just coming off knee surgery... as a rookie. If he does miss any time at all, it will likely be minimal.

I think it is a far better idea to look elsewhere for "true" handcuffs or even younger players with upside behind older or lesser talented vets, than Clevland. For example, I'd rather have Brown (either in Philly flavor or NYG flavor) as a "handcuff" or Ryan Williams in ARI. I am normally a "handcuff" guy in certain situations - this is not a situation where I think there is one worth rostering at this point.
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Andre and Bryce Brown would cost a lot to acquire whereas Hardesty isn't rostered in many mature dynasty leagues. Hardesty can be rostered for the opportunity cost of a roster spot. You'd have to pay a 2nd rounder at least for Bryce or Andre Brown + the roster spot.

Obviously I'd rather those backs. Ryan Williams is an interesting guy as well. I really like his opportunity but he just hasn't stayed healthy. He was drafted a year after Hardesty and hasn't done a thing yet compared to Hardesty (who hasn't done much at all).
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I thought that Hardesty played well last year.

 
az_prof said:
I thought that Hardesty played well last year.
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Not offering an opinion but stating fact, Hardesty did play well last year.

Another player in the mix who hasn't been mentioned is Brandon Jackson.

The front office extended his contract.

So if people want to muddy the waters then they should like more names in the mix but Hardesty is the primary back-up.

I wouldn't invest much at all in the Browns back-up RB.

I would use the waiver wire to roster that spot and not waste that roster spot but if you are really skittish or in some sort of super-duper deep league then the guy to land is Hardesty.

 
Agree not to waste roster spots on CLE backups unless in really deep leagues.

Have to disagree that Brandon Jackson has value. He was brought in as 3rd down specialist and is now retained as such. He might pick up a few more receptions if Trent gets hurt, but that's about it - no redraft upside, no dynasty upside. If we are to guess solely by evaluating management's moves, it's probably not Jackson, but Lewis who has the most stock - at least they gave up something marginally valuable to acquire him.

I am in the camp that did not think Hardesty played well last year. Unless you are comparing him to his own second season (or to Ogbonnaya.....), he was okay at best.

 
Article out this morning on Browns RB Monterio Hardesty.

The large print spells out that T-Rich and Hardesty are the primary RBs for the Browns.

http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/07/01/cleveland-browns-training-camp-profile-montario-hardesty/

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Profile: Montario HardestyJuly 1, 2013 10:38 am EDT by Anthony Blake
Regardless of who is playing quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in 2013, the team figures to utilize a run-heavy attack on offense. Even though the Browns managed to find a decent new receiving target in Josh Gordon, this team will be a ground-based offense when push comes to shove this season. That means there will be plenty of carries to go around, and given Trent Richardson’s troublesome injury history, Montario Hardesty could see some serious work.

Consistency hasn’t been the strong suit of Hardesty during his NFL career as his 2012 campaign exhibited. There were four games where he saw four or more carries and averaged 4.0 yards or better per carry last season, but there were also some games where he was extremely ineffective like the season finale at the Pittsburgh Steelers where he carried the rock 14 times for just 37 yards (2.6 YPC). Those types of numbers won’t get it done on a weekly basis, and the Browns need Hardesty to really step up his game in the coming season.

Believe it or not, Hardesty actually had a better YPC than Richardson last season as his 65 carries for 271 yards averaged out to 4.2 YPC. Richardson, on the other hand, had 267 totes for 950 yards or just 3.6 YPC. Obviously Richardson is more of three-down back with his 51 catches in 2012 compared to just two grabs for Hardesty. That will likely limit Hardesty to goal line and short yardage carries with his 6’0” 225lbs. frame which brings a bruising style to the line of scrimmage.

It’s really only Richardson and Hardesty in the mix for carries with Cleveland unless a rash of injuries again plagues the team’s backfield. Chris Ogbonnaya saw some carries a year ago, and the team recently traded for Dion Lewis from the Philadelphia Eagles in April. Lewis could factor in as a rare change of pace back due to his game-breaking speed and Ogbonnaya may see a handful of carries, but neither one will take playing time away from the top two on the depth chart.

Whether the Browns start Brandon Weeden or Jason Campbell under center is really irrelevant to the success of the running game. Cleveland must continue to feed their running backs the football which means Hardesty will be called upon regularly to spell Richardson when he needs a rest. It may not be a glamorous role as a backup ball carrier in Cleveland, but Hardesty will again make the most of his opportunities in 2013.

 
Likely this guy (rotoworld):

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski was impressed by Montario Hardesty at OTAs.
With Trent Richardson sidelined, Hardesty handled the vast majority of first-team tailback reps. "He has the natural instincts and he is a slasher who has good vision," said Chud. "The thing I’ve really seen and been most impressed with is him catching the ball. I don't think he dropped a pass out here." Hardesty will be worth a handcuff pick for T-Rich owners in deeper leagues.


Source: clevelandbrowns.com
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surprised by this but...

Rotoworld) ESPN Cleveland considers Montario Hardesty's roster spot in danger. Analysis: This one's a bit out there, as Hardesty ran with the first team during Trent Richardson's absence during OTAs, drawing praise from coach Rob Chudzinski. He's averaged just 3.5 yards on his 153 career carries, however, and has been a liability as a pass catcher. Aware of that fact, Hardesty has been working on his hands. The Browns also have Brandon Jackson, Dion Lewis, Miguel Maysonet and Chris Ogbonnaya competing for roster spots behind Richardson. We still consider Hardesty the favorite for handcuff duties.

 
Hardesty's knees were junk when he came into the league.

he does have talent though, which is why people are reluctant to give up on him.

count me in the camp that believes there is no back worth rostering in the rbbc mess that will come about if/when Richardson goes down.

 
http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2013/08/14/browns-rb-montario-hardesty-to-have-knee-scoped/

Knee Surgery To Sideline Browns RB Montario Hardesty

BEREA (92.3 The Fan) –

Cleveland Browns running back Montario Hardesty is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday head coach Rob Chudzinski said following the team’s practice on Wednesday.

Chudzinski did not specify which knee would get cleaned up but Hardesty has had both ACLs repaired before.

“He’ll make it back,” Chudzinski said.

As a freshman at Tennessee Hardesty had surgery to repair his right ACL and in 2010 he underwent surgery on his left ACL forcing him to spend his rookie season with the Browns on injured reserve.

The knee scope is just the latest setback for the Browns’ 2010 2nd round pick, who has been beleaguered by injuries.

“Well hopefully he’ll be able to bounce back quick,” left tackle Joe Thomas said. “He’s had a few knee surgeries, so I think he knows what the rehab process is, and obviously we want to get him out there quick because when he was out there for us last year he did a great job.”

Hardesty has played in just 23 games, with 5 starts, and rushed for a total of 547 yards and a touchdown on 153 carries for the Browns.

A calf injury also kept Hardesty out of 6 games in 2011.

“That injury bug is something you can’t control,” linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who overcame 2 pectoral injuries, said. “He’s just got to stay positive. Once he has his surgery, it’s just one day at a time, just look at how you can make the situation better. It starts with the attitude, attitude is everything. It’s going to help the healing process and it’s going to help him mentally get through it.”

Last year Hardesty ran for 271 yards and a touchdown as Trent Richardson’s backup.

Chudzinski said that Hardesty has been bothered by soreness in his knee for a while but it is unrelated to the hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for 8 practices over the past 3 weeks.

Hardesty, who is scheduled to make $575,000 in the final year of a 4-year, $2.799 million contract that included nearly $1.6 million guaranteed he signed as a rookie, has missed part or all of 10 of the 17 practices of training camp to date.

Hardesty dislocated his right thumb Monday after taking a direct snap from center. He returned to practice Tuesday but was limited.

Running backs Dion Lewis and Brandon Jackson have been picking up extra reps in Hardesty’s place and Chudzinski expects that to continue.

 
Dion Lewis has looked great during practices over the last few weeks (rotoworld):

Dion Lewis has taken more first-team reps than anyone in Browns camp.

Trent Richardson has been coddled thanks to his minor shin issues and former second-round pick Montario Hardesty has missed time with hamstring/finger woes. Regardless, Lewis has played well enough to win the No. 2 job outright. "The stuff that he can bring to the table, much like a (Darren) Sproles, it's very rare you can find a smaller guy like him that moves and plays hard like him every down," Richardson said. Hardesty's roster spot is in serious danger.

Aug 13 - 8:05 AM
Source: ESPN Cleveland
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The Cleveland Plain Dealer believes Dion Lewis "helped his case" to be the Browns' No. 2 running back with his preseason opener performance.

Always-injured Montario Hardesty is being left in the dust. Lewis ripped off a 31-yard kick return, gained nine yards on a carry, added 16 yards on a screen, and scored from two yards out on a reception. Lewis wound up with only 34 yards on eight touches, but provides more of a jittery change-of-pace behind Trent Richardson than Hardesty. Hardesty's roster security is waning fast.

Aug 9 - 12:53 PM

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
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Brown RB Dion Lewis started and rushed for 12 yards on five carries in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Rams.

Lewis also caught three passes for 22 yards and a touchdown. The third-year back started the game with Trent Richardson (shin) and Montario Hardesty (hamstring) out of action. It was mostly a positive night for Lewis, mainly because he didn't cough the ball up; coaches have been concerned about his ball security. Lewis has a real chance to overtake Hardesty for No. 2 duties.

Aug 8 - 10:55 PM
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Browns OC Norv Turner compared RB Dion Lewis to Darren Sproles.

"If you look out here on the practice field it looks like Darren," Turner said. "Now you’ve got to transfer that into games." Sproles played for Turner from 2007-10 in San Diego, operating as a passing-down specialist behind LaDainian Tomlinson. Trent Richardson is going to be the workhorse back in Cleveland. Lewis will see occasional snaps if he can lock down the No. 2 role.

Aug 7 - 8:39 AM

Source: ESPN Cleveland
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ESPN Cleveland calls RB Dion Lewis the surprise of Browns camp so far.
It's notable because Montario Hardesty's roster spot appears to be in danger due to continued durability woes. Lewis has gotten reps with the second-team offense, impressing with his speed and foot quickness. It's a camp battle for potential Trent Richardson handcuffers to monitor.

Related: Montario Hardesty

Source: ESPN Cleveland
Jul 30 - 9:33 AM
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So Brandon Jackson by default? Anyone expect the Browns to sniff around for a free agent RB that could beat out Jackson?

 
I think it's got to be Jackson. He's not dynamic and this offense would suffer mightily with him but he is a decent third down guy.

 
Brandon Jackson was cut. Bobby Rainey or Dennis Johnson.

I would lean towards Dennis Johnson over Rainey but it will most likely depend on who knows the playbook better.

 
Anyone know anything about these guys? Are they even rosterable? I think you may be better off grabbing someone like Mendenhall at the spot where our would pick one of these handcuffs.

 
3nOut said:
Anyone know anything about these guys? Are they even rosterable? I think you may be better off grabbing someone like Mendenhall at the spot where our would pick one of these handcuffs.
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I've followed both of them last year (Rainey) and this year (Johnson) and I really think they are both roster able in deep dynasty leagues and either could shake out as being useful but they are alike enough to where we might see one being cut altogether as a "redundant" type of talent.

With that being said, Chris O. Was picked up in a few of my leagues today so maybe he is worth a look also,.seems like somebodies knows something about him.

 
ILUVBEER99 said:
ghostguy123 said:
vegasrobb said:
The problem is that Chris O is the starting fullback.
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It's just a guess. Nobody in cleveland knows what would happen if Richardson got hurt.
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yup, there is no one behind him worth handcuffing. If he goes down there is no Cle running game and it would be a full committee with scrubs.
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We went from a really nice RB group to NOTHING behind T-rich in a matter of seconds it seemed like.

Dion Lewis was the perfect kind of guy to have on the squad to get like 3-4 carries and 2-3 catches a game, and Hardesty was good enough to take a couple drives per game and get you over 4 YPC.

I honestly have no idea why Jackson got cut. Maybe an injury I don't know of, slept with the coaches niece, who knows.

 
I think Johnson is more talented than Bobby Rainey and will eventually rise to the top of that pecking order.

 
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