Despite the Browns’ 2016 record, they still have some fantasy talent. Who could boom in 2017?
Isaiah Crowell
Quietly, Crowell has improved in rushing and receiving each year since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Last season, he had 197 carries for 944 yards on the ground (4.8 yards per carry) and 40 receptions for 319 yards. However while he has been “ascending,” the numbers don’t really do too much for your fantasy teams.
He only scored over 14 points four times in 2016, and on an offense that currently doesn’t have a viable quarterback on the roster, how often will he find the end zone? He’s a middling fantasy option.
Duke Johnson
A clear disappointment at this point in his career, Johnson was expected to enjoy more of a role in the Browns’ offense after tallying 104 rushing attempts and hauling in 61 balls as a rookie in 2015. On the contrary, both of those numbers declined as Crowell saw most of the action from the backfield. With only three touchdowns through two years, Johnson has failed to become the exciting PPR option many had hoped for. He’s only a late flier, and we’ll be hoping for Giovani Bernard-lite at best.
Kenny Britt
Britt (68 catches, 1,005 yards and five touchdowns in 2016) comes across from Los Angeles as a like-for-like Terrelle Pryor (77-1,077-4) replacement. At the age of 28, the 2009 first round pick had his best fantasy season, finishing 26th amongst receivers in PPR leagues. Part of what made it such a successful season was that expectations (and therefore his price) were extremely low before the year. However, in 2017 he’ll likely be drafted a whole lot higher than last season. As a WR4/5 on your rosters, he could return good value. Otherwise, his price might be a little rich.
Corey Coleman
The 15th-overall pick in last year’s draft missed a large chunk of his rookie campaign with a broken hand, and didn’t make much of an impact in his first year in the pros. After recording 69 and 104 yards in his two games prior to the injury, he couldn’t muster more than 41 in any of the eight games after and only finished the year with three touchdowns.
However, moving forward he has major upside, and is exactly the type of player you should be chasing in the middle rounds of drafts. He’s an explosive talent, will return fully healthy, and is certain to improve after a quiet first season. Take him where you can.
Josh Gordon
Of players who haven’t seen the field in over two years, Gordon is easily the most talked-about. And why wouldn’t we crave his return? In 2013, he had one of the greatest seasons in the past decade, finishing as the PPR WR2 (and yardage leader) despite missing two games at the start of the year. The constant speculation of his return will continue, but until there are any developments, we’ll have to be patient. If he does come back, watch out – there’s no limit to what can achieve on the field.
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The Best of the Rest
Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and Brock Osweiler should not be starting in the NFL, unless the Browns plan to lose out again for another year (which is possible). The team has a lot of young receivers, all with various skill sets. Rashard Higgins might be the one with the best shot, but won’t fit on your rosters just yet. Gary Barnidge had a one-off star season in 2015 (which tends to happen with tight ends), but isn’t a reliable option.
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