Category: Browns

Richardson expected to rejoin Browns next week

Browns, Draft Grades - 2012
Comments

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson is expected to return to the practice field next week, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Richardson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month, but the team is hopeful that he will be ready by opening weekend. In the meantime, Montario Hardesty has been handling the first-team duties, and has been backed up by veteran Brandon Jackson.

Travis Benjamin getting 1st-team reps with Browns

Browns, Rookie Notes
Comments

Cleveland Browns 4th-round pick Travis Benjamin has reportedly been getting some first-team reps in three-receivers sets.

Benjamin is vastly undersized (5’10”, 175 pounds) but may be the faster receiver on the Browns roster. So while he probably won’t be taking many balls away from Greg Little or Mohamed Massaquoi, he could be used as a deep threat (and as a decoy). The Browns were lacking any sort of downfield passing attack in 2011, so the addition of Benjamin could add a new dimension to the offense.

Weeden improves in second outing

Browns, Rookie Notes
Comments

The Cleveland Browns have already settled on Brandon Weeden as their starter, but his preseason debut was less than impressive. Fortunately Game 2 went a little more smoothly. After the game Weededn stated  “It was definitely an upgrade for me over last week. I just wanted to go out and get better, and I think I did that.”

While Weeden did improve, he still struggled under pressure. One play nearly lead to disaster for Weeden when the collapsing pocket forced him to fire a pass across the middle right into the arms of A.J. Hawk, who failed to corral the errant throw.

Overall, this was definitely a step in the right direction for Weeden, but by no means should Browns fans expect a Cam Newton or Andy Dalton like rookie season from their signal caller.

Impact Rookies: Trent Richardson

Browns
Comments

In 2010, the Cleveland Browns were briefly a dangerous team, upsetting the Saints and Patriots in consecutive weeks and taking the Jets into overtime. That was at the height of Peyton Hillis’ success in Cleveland, as he averaged over 130 total yards per game during that stretch.

The 2012 Browns offense should look similar to the 2010 version, with Trent Richardson playing the starring role.

Like Hillis, Richardson is a powerful downhill runner and can also contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. That combination should make him a workhorse from day one. He’ll be running behind an offensive line which features four returning starters, including Joe Thomas and Alex Mack, which should help ease his transition to the next level.

Considering the lack of playmakers in Cleveland, anything less than a 1,200 yard season would be a disappointment for Richardson.

Check out our full review of the Browns 2012 draft class. 

Adonis Thomas catches on with Browns

Browns
Comments

The Cleveland Browns already added one rookie running back, and now they have another. Undrafted free agent Adonis Thomas impressed enough during his tryout to earn a contract and an invitation to training camp. The Browns cut running back Armond Smith to make room.

Thomas still has an uphill battle to make the final roster, competing with Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya, but he may have the skill set the Browns are looking for in their third-string running back.

While it didn’t come as a huge surprise when Thomas went undrafted, he was a personal favorite of mine and earned a late 3rd-round grade. He’s lacks the elite speed of a typical third-down back, but otherwise has the skill set teams look for to fill that hole. He’s an elite receiver out of the backfield and a tough runner for his size.

A broken arm caused him to miss time in 2011, which could have led to his fall in the draft. But before the injury, Thomas played a key role in Toledo’s near upset of Ohio State.