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Fantasy Football: Top 10 Breakout RB in 2016

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands off to running back Latavius Murray (28) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands off to running back Latavius Murray (28) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Johnson-Cleveland Browns

Duke Johnson could be one of the better breakout RB pickups this draft season as he and the Browns transition to another new offense under head coach Hue Jackson. Jackson made Gio Bernard a dual-threat weapon in Cincinnati the last few seasons and could do the same for the versatile second-year back out of Miami.

Johnson finished last year with just 379 yards on 104 rushes, but his main fantasy contribution came from an increased role in the passing game where he hauled in 61 catches for 534 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  There has been rumblings out of Cleveland that he could be lined up for even more work in the passing game this season and also develop into more of a running threat as well.

Last year, Johnson missed much of training camp one started slow in an offense that never got going. This year with a new coach and a healthy start, he should be set up for better success. Like Derrick Henry, Johnson will have to compete for carries on his own team.

He is expected to be behind Isaiah Crowell for early down work, but Crowell did suffer a shoulder injury in the Preseason opener (X-Rays were negative). If Crowell is banged up or struggles, Johnson has a high ceiling as a big part of the Browns future.

Right now, Johnson is a nice mid-round target going in the eighth round as the 27th RB taken.  In PPR leagues, he already deserved consideration as a fringe RB2. He has the potential to be a breakout RB if he flourishes in Jackson’s system like I expect him to.

Next: A RB not in a timeshare

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