Cleveland Browns: 2018 Depth chart and roster analysis, Running Backs

Continuing our goal to familiarize ourselves with the John Dorsey stamped Cleveland Browns roster, we now take a pre-draft look at the running backs.

Like many of you, I wonder if former Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell would have thrived with more carries and I will certainly be paying attention to see how he does in New York with the Jets. The Crow has flown off and a new movie has begun. I offer you Dr. Johnson and Mr. Hyde!

Taking the shape of a lightning and thunder attack, a quick-footed, can’t-catch-me style runner in Duke Johnson accompanied by a ram-it-down-your-throat workhorse in Carlos Hyde, strike fear into opposing defenses. Coming soon to a Stadium near you!

If you have not yet read my similar segment on the new Browns quarterbacks, you can find it here.

RB1 – Carlos Hyde:

Carlos Hyde brings with him the downhill attack that we expected to see more of from Isaiah Crowell. He is a proven back that will punish defenses. I always enjoyed watching Hyde in the scarlet and gray at Ohio State and am certainly looking forward to watching him in brown and orange. Welcome home, Carlos. I am a big fan! O-H…I-O!!!

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RB2 – Duke Johnson Jr.:

Johnson will fill the doctor portion of the aforementioned Johnson and Hyde attack, in case you didn’t put that together. His precision cuts can nearly immobilize defenders, hopefully not to the extent that they require an actual MD, but he is certainly a playmaking threat.

Although I do expect Hyde to take the bulk of the ball-carrying duties, Johnson has proven himself very capable. With or without a Saquon Barkley infused draft, we should see plenty of him as a receiver out of the backfield and in the slot as well. He will get opportunities one way or another.

RB3 – Matthew Dayes:

Mr. Almost Irrelevant, Dayes was taken with the second to last pick in last year’s draft and has well exceeded expectations. Mostly serving as a regular on special teams, he has looked capable, even good, in the few opportunities he has had running the ball.

Players like Dayes make preseason games watchable. I don’t foresee him working into a starting role, but I would like to see enough of him to have a better idea if he is a capable backup. If additions are made via the draft, however, Dayes may find himself holding the short straw.

FB1 – Danny Vitale:

If you are hoping for stats on Vitale, his seven NFL catches are not going to offer you much. It is likely that he is better known for a heartbreaking dropped pass in the end zone during week 14 of the 2016 season. I have never felt so bad for a guy.

The fact that you have not heard much about him since then, states that he is doing his job as a blocker. He is indeed capable of both, running and receiving, but his talents are best utilized at fullback and on special teams. Todd Haley may have a few things in mind for Vitale and don’t be surprised if he has a highlight or two up his sleeve given the opportunity.

Other possibilities:

Yes, adding Saquon Barkley is certainly a possibility, and one of my own mock-picks at that. You will not hear anyone complain about having too many weapons and Barkley would be a good one to have.

Imagine the defensive struggle of trying to defend both Johnson and Barkley at the same time, a play after being run over by Hyde. A key word in Dorsey’s football-related vocabulary seems to be “options”. Barkley would provide that, and then some.

There is an argument, however, that running back is not a position of need, outside of depth. This class has been touted repeatedly as full of quality backs and there will be plenty of (here it is again) options available in the middle-to-late rounds. If Dorsey and the decision makers do not draft a running back at all, surely expect to see some undrafted guys come in and compete for a roster spot.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: 10 Big trades create chaos

In summary, Carlos Hyde should provide much more stability and consistency in our attack. I know we all enjoy three-and-outs, but I think we could handle gaining a few yards on first and second downs. Hyde should secure that.

Dr. Johnson and Mr. Hyde may well have opponents agonizing on Saturday evenings and nursing their boo-boos come Monday mornings. Barkley may just be the rabid Dawg that tears their house to shreds while they are out. I, for one, am tired of offensive dormancy, it is offensive. I can’t wait to see the Cleveland Browns wreak some havoc.