The Cleveland Browns will pushing position battles during training camp in hopes that it pushes improvement in players. While that might not factor into the quarterback rotation with Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown, it will be a storyline for other groups including the running back position. After dropping Ben Tate last season, the Browns got unexpected production from their rookie tandem in Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. However, with the addition of Duke Johnson, who will get the nod in 2015?
The Browns cannot have two running backs in the backfield on every play. They must name a starter, something easier said than done when they have three young players all looking to make a name for themselves. According to Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com, the Browns will likely be starting Crowell behind Josh McCown in 2015 over West or Johnson. Both West and Crowell showed signs of true talent last season, but neither player proved to be a consistent threat. That could change if Cleveland sticks with one guy as their main back which is expected to be Crowell.
According to Ulrich, West is actually fighting for a roster spot along with aiming for a chance to start after he fell out of favor with head coach Mike Pettine. The Browns also added in Malcolm Johnson to the mix from Mississippi State who is listed as a fullback, but is expected to get a lot of work in with the offense. All of those factors could push West out of the Browns altogether if he does not show up ready to compete.
The real star could end up being Johnson who appears to be a perfect fit of offensive coordinator John DeFilippo and his West Coast system. Coming out of Miami, Johnson is known for his speed and good hands which makes him a versatile threat for the Browns. The running back was actually a reason the Browns did not make any further wide receiver additions. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns were eyeing players like Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne for contracts, but remain confident that Johnson can play a big role in the receiving game moving forward.
All of these players will be critical to the potential success of McCown and growth of Manziel. The Browns are confident that McCown can recover from a bad season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Several receivers have taken the time to praise what the quarterback bring to the field, but it remains to be seen if he can really shine in Cleveland.
