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NFL Power Rankings 2019: Raiders have helmet issues, Browns hype grows

By Randy Gurzi

NAPA, CA - AUGUST 05: A detail of a helmet during the Oakland Raiders Training Camp at the Napa Valley Marriott on August 5, 2009 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
NAPA, CA - AUGUST 05: A detail of a helmet during the Oakland Raiders Training Camp at the Napa Valley Marriott on August 5, 2009 in Napa, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 08: DeAndre Hopkins #10 and Will Fuller V #15 of the Houston Texans warm up before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 08, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 08: DeAndre Hopkins #10 and Will Fuller V #15 of the Houston Texans warm up before a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on August 08, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

5. Houston Texans (9)

Right before the Houston Texans first preseason game, they made a big move as they traded for running back Duke Johnson of the Cleveland Browns. This came shortly after they released D’Onta Foreman, who apparently never got back into the kind of shape head coach Bill O’Brien wanted him to be in. Foreman landed with the Colts which could provide for a good rivalry game, but Johnson feels like a better fit in this offense.

A shifty runner, Duke is known more for his ability as a receiver out of the backfield rather than as a traditional running back. In his four seasons with the Browns, Johnson had 1,286 yards rushing with five touchdowns while bringing in 235 passes for 2,170 yards and eight scores.

The only issue with this move was the cost. Houston gave up a fourth-round pick which could become a third-rounder should Johnson play in 10-or-more games, which is highly probable considering he has been in all 16 games every season he’s been in the league. A third seems pretty high considering the fact that the Eagles gave up just a sixth for Jordan Howard who is a much more accomplished running back.

Still, it could help the Texans as they’re a talented team that is balanced on both sides of the ball — even more so now that they have better depth at the running back position.

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