Summer Sleeper: Cleveland Browns

With less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

Cleveland Browns

In with the new coaching staff and out with the old, it seems like a way of life for Browns fans.  I know that might sound hollow as a Steelers fan, but I grew up in Northeast Ohio and I share their pain as my brothers and best friend still love their team.  There is a sense of hope that only strong offensive and defensive coordinators can bring.  Cleveland made great hires of offensive guru Norv Turner and one of Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau’s best students in defensive coordinator Ray Horton.  In all of Turner’s offenses, they have featured strong run games from the Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith to the Chargers’ LaDanian Tomlinson and even limited a fullback in Mike Tolbert.

The Browns already started to build a solid offensive line before Turner got there as they spent their 2012 first round pick on Trent Richardson.  Unfortunately, Richardson has already befallen a few injuries along the way and if he misses any more time fantasy owners should be ready.  While Montario Hardesty is now listed as Richardson’s backup, I don’t necessarily see him as the heir apparent.  The Browns made a few moves in the off-season to improve their depth at running back with Miguel Maysonet and Dion Lewis, so perhaps your fantasy team should as well.  While I understand neither of these players are household names, this article isn’t for the 10 team league owners with 18 roster spots, it is for the deep leagues that hold 53+ players and have 14+ teams.

Miguel Maysonet, RB

Maysonet played for small school Stony Brook which is in the Big South conference and this is why most people have never heard of him.  The rookie running back was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles right after the draft, but was released due to their signing of the more versatile Felix Jones who is better suited for Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme.   Maysonet was never used much in the passing game as he caught only 18 passes in his last three years in college and did not get much of a chance to pass block, so he is a bit raw in that regard.  He will need to prove a general understanding of that before Maysonet will get the chance to see much time on the field, especially with the slow-footed Brandon Weeden throwing the ball.

In the few games that I have watched of his, it is evident that the rookie back is very raw, but talented.  Maysonet has great side to side agility with a gift of making defenders miss.  He demonstrates great balance, can get small in the hole while running very low to the ground.  Not only is he a strong inside runner that always falls forward and uses tremendous leg drive, but he reads his blocking very well, especially down the field.  Maysonet can bust out a quick jump cut to get away from defenders and find the cut back lanes for extra yardage.  Once he has the ball in his hands past the line of scrimmage, the young running back finds an extra gear running to daylight.

He runs a bit stiff and upright, so he takes a few more hits than you would like.  Keep in mind, he did not see a lot of NFL level competition in college so Maysonet might be better off as a returner until he gets acclimated to the NFL game.  He will never be as talented as Richardson, but he could be a great long-term investment if TRich can’t stay healthy.  According to myfantasyleague.com average draft position, Maysonet is getting drafted as the 23rd rookie running back, after Houston’s Ray Graham and Seattle’s Spencer Ware.  For that type of investment, he could be a steal.

Dion Lewis, RB

Lewis has gone through a long and winding road ever since he set foot on the University of Pittsburgh.  He replaced LeSean McCoy in the Panthers starting lineup when McCoy left for the NFL.  He was usurped by upstart Ray Graham during Graham’s freshman year and Lewis decided to leave school early.  In 2011, Lewis was drafted by Philadelphia to back up McCoy again and did not see much action in his two years there.  He finished those two years with 36 carries for 171 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and only three catches for 21 yards on three targets.  Last season Lewis got into some trouble with his brother pulling a fire alarm as he kept on sliding down the depth chart.  2012 seventh round longshot Bryce Brown forced himself onto the field and Brown became the starter, not Lewis, when McCoy got hurt last season.  With their depth at running back in Philadelphia, Lewis became expendable.  Due to a trade this year with the Cleveland Browns for LB Emmanuel Acho, Lewis has a chance with a team that needs play-makers instead of being the fourth or fifth option at running back.

The third year running back has some unique strengths and weaknesses.  Lewis has amazing elusiveness that he uses to avoid contact as he sets up defenders to be taken out by the offensive line.  By keeping his eyes down the field, he finds creases to exploit, accelerates away from the defense, and remains on his feet.  The problem is that he is not a very powerful back and is quicker than fast, so Lewis can be brought down from behind after he breaks beyond the line of scrimmage.  He needs to work on his receiving skills, much like Maysonet, as they haven’t be used often.  Lewis needs to get stronger at blocking and protecting the ball as well.

According to myfantasyleague.com average draft position, Lewis is being drafted outside of the top 101 of fantasy running backs. An investment in him will be low and the chance to be a lead ball carrier for Turner could be very rewarding if Richardson continues to get banged up. If TRich doesn’t get hurt, you will have purchased peace of mind for a very cheap price in Maysonet and Lewis.  While I realize the fantasy production will drop off, Turner makes the most out of the running backs he has, just ask the Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle owners from last season.

If you have any fantasy questions that you need answered quickly, please follow me on twitter @AndrewMiley.