Dynasty Capsule Cleveland Browns

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As part of the premium content package, we’re again unveiling dynasty capsules for every team in the NFL leading up to free agency and the NFL Draft. This year, we’re also going to do a follow-up on all the teams after all the free agency and NFL Draft movement to assess the impact of any players teams have gained or lost. Since these capsules are always done as a simple snapshot in time, we figured that was the best way to tackle the off-season and provide ultimate value for our subscribers. All in all, we’ll have close to 500 player profiles found in these capsules over the off-season.

We continue the gauntlet with the Cleveland Browns.

Quarterbacks

Brandon Weeden

I know most Cleveland Browns fans felt disappointment with the 22nd pick in round one.  Weeden did not do much to win them over with 14 touchdown passes, almost 3,400 passing yards and 17 interceptions last season.  This lackluster performance only gets compounded as the signal caller will turn 30 years old in October.  The oldest rookie quarterback from last season has a strong arm, limited athletic ability and can perform at a high level when he has protection in the pocket.  Dan Marino had the same attributes; however, unlike the Hall of Famer, Weeden does not have good pocket presence to step away from pressure.  It appears unlikely he will remain the unopposed starter going into this season, especially since Trent Richardson recently threw him under the bus regarding his ability to read pass coverage.  His limited skill set and age make him a better NFL backup than a fantasy relevant player. I have him as a strong QB3 in dynasty leagues that only start one quarterback.

Colt McCoy

The ever-changing coaching staffs have done a number on the former Browns starting quarterback.  In 2011, McCoy was an effective quarterback who didn’t do much to help the Browns win or lose.  He does not have NFL arm strength, but he shows leadership in the huddle and locker room.  If not for a head shot from James Harrison in their late season game in 2011, Weeden might not be a Brown.  McCoy is a good backup who could see a limited revival if he were to suddenly be placed into a quarterback friendly system like Andy Reid’s.

Running Backs

Trent Richardson

trent_richardson2The third pick in last year’s draft may have disappointed some of his fantasy owners as he was not the best rookie running back in 2012.  The Browns simply ran him into the ground as he ended up with 950 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns on a combined 318 touches.  Reports have come out that he suffered a few injuries during his Freshman campaign.  The hiring of Norv Turner as the new offensive coordinator was huge news for his value.  The OC will find ways to get the ball in Richardson’s hands and be effective just like Turner was with LaDanian Tomlinson, Emmitt Smith and Michael Turner.  Don’t underestimate Richardson as a receiving threat in PPR leagues. This young running back gets selected anywhere from the number one to the number four running back in dynasty start-ups.  For the next several years, Richardson should be accumulating 1,700+ yards, 45+ catches, and 12-16 touchdowns per season.  The offense is built around him, so invest in him as your RB1.

Monterio Hardesty

He is a change of pace runner who performed well when called upon last year.  If he would suddenly become the starter because of injury, I would only expect 65% of Richardson’s production.  He could have limited success due to the offensive scheme and strong offensive line, but he is strictly an insurance policy for T-Rich owners.

Chris Ogbonnaya

He started off the year as the third down back.  As Richardson got more comfortable with pass blocking and catching the ball, Ogbonnaya got phased out of that role.  He would probably become a part of a time share with Hardesty if T-Rich was injured, but outside of that he doesn’t hold much value, especially in non-ppr leagues.

Wide Receivers

Josh Gordon

The first year receiver certainly provided a spark to the Browns passing game as he lead the team with 805 receiving yards and five touchdowns.  It is concerning he only caught about half the passes thrown to him – he ended with 50 receptions on 95 targets.  Weeden was trying to stretch the field with him early in the season.  After the Browns bye week, Gordon improved his catch rate to above 60%.  I like his chances of improving that statistic in 2013.  If he can work more on his short to intermediate routes, then the sky is the limit with him.  Gordon should lead the Browns in all receiving categories this year and become a dependable WR3 with WR2 upside this year and beyond.

Greg Little

This third year player saw a decrease in his targets and understandably in production as well from his rookie year to last season.  As Gordon emerged as the number one receiver, Little faded back.  The former Tar Heel is a big bodied receiver who is better suited to fit a physical possession receiver like Keyshawn Johnson or Anquan Boldin than to be the number one receiving threat. I like him as a dynasty WR4-5 as I would expect their passing offense to get more effective under Turner’s tutelage.

Editor’s Note: Greg Little is one of the most polarizing players in all dynasty leagues – we’ll have much more on him later this Spring.

Josh Cribbs

He was once known as the most dangerous returner in the NFL, but the change in the kickoff rules seemed to affect him a great deal.  With the influx of new Browns wide receiver talent, it is doubtful Cribbs will ever see 67 targets in an NFL season like he did in 2011.  The rumblings are that Cribbs will be in another uniform next season.  His only value now is in return yardage leagues.

Mohamed Massaquoi

This fifth year wide receiver’s statistics are going in the wrong direction as he had the most yards, touchdowns and targets in his rookie season.  In each year since, he has stayed the same or declined everywhere else.  As he is an older man of the wide receiver group at age 26, I don’t believe there is anything fantasy relevant to see here.

Travis Benjamin

In his rookie season, Benjamin showed he was a man with many skills.  When Cribbs went out with a concussion, he stepped in his place as a returner.  The wide receiver had a 93 yard punt return for a touchdown against the Chiefs. His stats won’t overly impress you – 14 receptions for 255 yards and six rushing attempts for 66 yards.  It appears Benjamin is slowly becoming the next Cribbs, who is dangerous wherever he lines up whether he’s a returner, slot receiver or in the backfield.  I like him as a WR4-5 depending if your league rewards return yardage.

Tight Ends

Ben Watson

The former number one pick of the New England Patriots has certainly changed up his game in the last few years.  Instead of being a physical freak, Watson has become a better route runner and a reliable target for his quarterbacks to lean on.  His 49 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns in 2012 is respectable in NFL circles, but those numbers won’t win you any dynasty leagues.  The reports coming out are that Watson will not re-sign with the Browns as they want to feature a more athletic tight end in their offense.

Jordan Cameron

Here is another former basketball player turned tight end.  Remember, Norv Turner does have some talent in making the most of this conversion like he did with Antonio Gates. Cameron is still on the raw side as he only caught half his targets last year.  He plays more like an oversized wide receiver than a tight end.  Hopefully, he can box out the safeties and linebackers to secure receptions.  Cameron is already a very popular sleeper tight end in start-up dynasty drafts, but I am not convinced that the Browns won’t bring in a rookie like Jordan Reed or Vance McDonald to be the starter.  If you can get him as your TE3, jump on the pick.

Follow me on twitter @AndrewMiley.