The media and casual fans may take the most interest in the whole Josh McCown versus Johnny Manziel battle (which the Browns say isn't a battle, despite how poorly McCown plays). But the running back fight is more interesting to fantasy teams, as one of those guys will need to start in most leagues.
Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West have both been getting first-team work, while rookie Duke Johnson is battling a hamstring injury. But while sidelined, it's fair to wonder if Johnson hasn't become more appealing as a possible starter, given what West and Crowell have shown.
Crowell has looked better. Last night against Buffalo, he had one explosive run where he stiff-armed a guy and rumbled downfield for 12 yards. But his overall numbers aren't good, and if the Browns were sold on him, they'd have moved him clearly ahead of West (or maybe not drafted Johnson in the third round).
West has looked ordinary, and more damning, the coaching staff has apparently not been satisfied with his work ethic. That's not going to get you a starting job in the NFL.
Next week, in the third exhibition, Johnson will hopefully be out there, with a chance to seize the role. If not, maybe Crowell will have enough good runs that he clearly takes the job.
The advice, as always, is to avoid drafting before next weekend's games, if possible. In any case, best not to use too favorable a pick on any Browns players (a decent rule of thumb anyway). But maybe Johnson will do well enough next week to change all that. Browns fans can hope.
--Andy Richardson
