When we held the Fantasy Index Experts Draft last month, the biggest surprise in the early rounds was Cleveland rookie running back Duke Johnson. Scott Sachs of Perfect Season Fantasy Football made him a fourth-round pick, even though he would seem to be third on the depth chart at running back.
Today, that pick still looks quite early, but Johnson's chances of proving worthy of Sachs' optimism look better. Adam Caplan says Johnson has been the most impressive of the team's running backs, better than Terrance West or Isaiah Crowell. Maybe he'll end up their best running back after all.
Most likely, Cleveland will employ a committee at the position, with West, Crowell and Johnson all having a role. Cleveland has compared Johnson to Giovani Bernard, suggesting a third-down or at least secondary role.
But this will be a run-heavy offense and it's a very good offensive line. It looks like the smart choice will be to not place too much faith in either Crowell or West being a solid fantasy starter. Maybe wait until later in the draft and take a flier on Johnson.
A few more positive reports, of course, and Johnson won't be much of a secret. For now, though, he's an intriguing pick in early drafts, and a rookie to consider grabbing in the second round of dynasty league rookie-only drafts.
--Andy Richardson
