Some evidence that the Brown's scouting is more than pure analytics:
The running back didn't wow scouts, but he's producing for the Browns. Meanwhile, Mobley has quickly caught the eye of those around the NBA.
theathletic.com
“His 0-10 (yards) time is as good as anybody. But there’s no second gear,” Ruskell told me this weekend. “We get so carried away with those numbers. Especially if he’s not at a big school, you’re not going to stand on a table for guys like that. There’s no ‘go by the gut’ scouting anymore. It’s all analytics, unfortunately.”
Indeed, Johnson is a scouting throwback. He just needed an opportunity. His 146 yards and a touchdown for the Browns last week against the Broncos wouldn’t have been possible without his persistence and one team’s willingness to look past the raw data.
Johnson didn’t dazzle the Apollos with his speed, yet every time Spurrier put him into a practice drill or a game, he did something positive: a block, a tough run or a catch out of the backfield. Johnson’s hands were so good, he ultimately became the Apollos’ punt returner despite his lack of speed.
Once the AAF folded, Ruskell began reaching out to old NFL contacts to try and get Johnson an opportunity. One of the scouts on Orlando’s staff had a connection to a scout in Cleveland. They were able to convince the Browns to give Johnson a look.
“I told everybody I could, ‘Forget whatever you’ve got on him.’ His burst and acceleration are as good as anyone,” Ruskell said. “Just give him a chance. You let him get his foot in the door and you’re done.”