2023 Browns Off-Season Thread II: Free Agent Marathon: Settling in for the Long Haul: Slow and Steady: Patience is a Virtue: Loose Lips Sink Ships!

Vee-Rex said:

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Out of the Rafters at the Q said:

I like his running ability.

I have zero read for his intelligence running the ball--if that makes any sense.

So little of a running back is the things that are easily scouted, like their speed, power, contact balance, etc. So much of a running back is their ability to set up and choose the right running lane.

I am cautiously optimistic that Ford can be a very high quality backup RB in this league. I think his ceiling is higher than someone like Alexander Mattison. I think it's lower than someone like Tony Pollard.

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Lee said:

I have Felton making it, the backup guard is a true competition, I think Winfrey is given a chance on talent, but who knows he might be a bigger headache than I realize, Phillips if healthy should make then comp for last LB spot, and I have Bell making it at safety.

What do you guys think?

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Randolphkeys said:

I really believe backup running back should not be a priority from a financial perspective. We as Browns fans were a little spoiled with Hunt.

What you really need for an excellent ground attack is a great offensive line. Add Chubb's natural ability as the starter... why insist on an overkill?

I'm more concerned with Ford's ability to contribute on special teams than the handful of rushing attempts he is in line to soak up this season.

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Out of the Rafters at the Q said:

I'm not lobbying for investing money into the role.

I'm saying we lost DEJ and I'm not sure we have someone who can reliably run the ball as the primary back if Chubb gets dinged up. We might see someone like John Kelly make the roster over Felton if they feel they need someone who can be relied on to carry the rock behind our line.

Also, Felton's pass catching ability out of the backfield role might just be swallowed up by someone like Elijah Moore or Jakeem Grant based on some highlights we've seen from camp.

I also 100% agree that the OL and coaching makes the running game--not the back.

Anyone can dominate behind the SF offensive line. Let the best back in the NFL get hit in the backfield and he'll look like shit.

Just go back to Todd Gurley's career if you need a reminder. Lowest production in the NFL when the Rams were a terrible offense. Give him a good offense and suddenly he's the best back in the league.

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Triplethreat said:

Ford can definitely fill for Chubb.

Also Gurley is a shitty comp, he had a knee injury that derailed his career.

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Out of the Rafters at the Q said:

You missed the Gurley point by a few years.

His second season in the league, he was running behind a bad line in a terrible Jeff Fisher offense. He averaged 3.2 yards per carry and people were calling him a bust.

Then McVay took over in 2017 and Gurley led the league in all-purpose yards, touchdowns, and put up 4.7 yards per carry and people realized "Hey, this guy's mega talented. He was just in a bad situation"

The fact that Gurley's career was shortened later on due to his knee injury is irrelevant.

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Out of the Rafters at the Q said:

I'm not lobbying for investing money into the role.

I'm saying we lost DEJ and I'm not sure we have someone who can reliably run the ball as the primary back if Chubb gets dinged up. We might see someone like John Kelly make the roster over Felton if they feel they need someone who can be relied on to carry the rock behind our line.

Also, Felton's pass catching ability out of the backfield role might just be swallowed up by someone like Elijah Moore or Jakeem Grant based on some highlights we've seen from camp.

I also 100% agree that the OL and coaching makes the running game--not the back.

Anyone can dominate behind the SF offensive line. Let the best back in the NFL get hit in the backfield and he'll look like shit.

Just go back to Todd Gurley's career if you need a reminder. Lowest production in the NFL when the Rams were a terrible offense. Give him a good offense and suddenly he's the best back in the league.

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MGMT said:

I see you have shown some respect for John Kelly.

Thank you for showing some respect for John Kelly,

Fuck you @evrryone else

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Out of the Rafters at the Q said:

By far the #1 RB room in the league. Kelly is an RB3 for a lot of teams and he's sixth on our depth chart.

No team even comes close.

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Cassity14 said:

What's the reasoning behind that new Bryant contract from the Browns' perspective?

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red. said:

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