Cleveland Browns: Duke Johnson Jr. is a Big Positive

While the Cleveland Browns remain far away from the postseason, fans can take solace in knowing the team has running back Duke Johnson Jr.

For the Cleveland Browns, the offense is a bit murky.

Corey Coleman, the team’s first-round pick, has the potential to be a game-changing player, but he remains unproven.

The offensive line is still talented but did lose a stalwart in Alex Mack. Gary Barnidge enjoyed a career year in 2015 at 30 years of age, but the late-bloomer hasn’t proven he can be a consistent presence.

And ah, yes. Robert Griffin III, 2012’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, is the team’s starting quarterback.

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So while ‘pessimism’ may not be the most apropos word to describe Cleveland’s offense, ‘skepticism’ is. It’s a unit of a lot of uncertainty, which may lead some spectators to be negative.

One big, big positive, though, is second-year back Duke Johnson Jr. It seems like everyone is jumping on the Johnson bandwagon heading into 2016. Just let the record show I was on the wagon back in 2014.

The University of Miami’s all-time leading rusher — The U has produced several talented backs. Edge James, Clinton Portis, Ottis Anderson, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, LaMar Miller, etc. — enjoyed a quietly productive rookie year, and he should be in line for a much bigger 2016.

Despite his collegiate success, Johnson slipped to the third round in the 2015 NFL Draft. Some of that was a microcosm of the NFL’s insistence that the running back is a dying breed. Another factor in Johnson’s slip was the fact that some viewed him too small — 5’9″, 210 lbs. — to be an every-down back.

If you ask me, Cleveland got an absolute steal by taking the man they call Duke.

I’ve touched on Johnson a bit in my “16 Breakout Candidates for 2016” piece, but I want to go more in-depth with my former favorite Hurricane.

Upon entering the league, Johnson drew comparisons to LeSean McCoy. It’s easy to see why. The ex-‘Cane runs with a kind of elusiveness that certainly evokes images of Shady cutting through defenses. Despite his small-ish frame, it’s tough to get him down in the open field.

The second-year back runs with an impressive combination of patience and acceleration. He doesn’t rush to the hole, instead opting to let his blockers pave the way. But when he finds his lane, he bursts through, using his vision to make plays.

I love his shiftiness in the open field. While some will certainly typecast him as a ‘scat back,’ Duke runs very hard.

He reminds me a little bit of Tiki Barber. I say this for a few reasons. First, like Barber, Johnson has wheels to outrun defenders. But Johnson isn’t afraid of contact, similar to the ex-Giant. Finally, Johnson can be a factor in the passing game, just like Barber was for the Giants.

Seriously, the dude has hands.

Curmudgeons will point to Johnson’s rookie year and say he didn’t show enough to warrant the breakout label. Yes, Johnson only had 379 yards rushing last year. However, he also hauled in 61 receptions for 534 yards.

Therein lies Johnson’s true value. He can really do it all and excel in more than one area. That type of versatility will open up the offense as a whole. That’s especially true when remembering Hue Jackson is now manning the show.

What exactly can Johnson be for the Browns? Well, I don’t want to sound to presumptive, but I think Johnson can be what Trent Richardson was supposed to be.

What I mean by that is I truly think Johnson has the talent, work ethic and desire to give the Browns the first lead back they’ve had in a long, long time.

must read: Cleveland Browns Shouldn't Trade Josh Gordon

If you’re a Browns fan, be happy! Johnson is a transcendent talent, and he’s going to be a big part of the offense for years to come. But if he ends up sucking, don’t blame me…

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