Cleveland Browns: Duke Johnson at slot receiver makes sense
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns suddenly have some real talent and finding ways to get the ball to key players is smart, which is why Duke Johnson in the slot works
Since joining the Cleveland Browns as a third-round pick in 2015, former Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson has become a weapon for them. As a rookie, he wasn’t spectacular running the ball as he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry on 104 attempts. What he did well though was provide the team with a set of reliable hands out of the backfield.
The rookie had 61 receptions on 74 targets and scored two touchdowns while totaling 534 yards. In his second season he became more efficient with less touches. Johnson rushed for 4.9 yards per carry on 73 rushes and had 53 receptions. He also improved from 8.8 yards per reception to 9.7 in 2016.
Now Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com calls him the leading candidate to replace Andrew Hawkins, who left following the 2016 season.
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"Johnson belongs in the wide receiver preview, because he’s more of a pass-catcher than a runner.He is the leading candidate to replace Andrew Hawkins as the No. 1 slot receiver. Johnson has caught passes out of the backfield and while split wide. He’s averaged 57 catches in his first two seasons, and will probably have at least that many this season."
Cabot is right that Johnson is more capable catching passes than running — and that’s not meant as an insult in any way to his running ability. Johnson still can contribute there, but is best served as a change of pace back with the more rounded Isaiah Crowell being their featured back.
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Still, keeping Johnson on the field is a smart move because he’s one of the faster players on the team. The Browns suddenly have some playmakers, and finding ways to get all of them on the field is the best move possible. As a slot receiver he can find even more opportunities to get his hands on the ball and won’t disappoint.