Cleveland Browns 2013 Fantasy Football Preview
May 16, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) runs with the ball during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy Stud — Trent Richardson, RB
The Browns don’t have a lot of studs offensively (yet), but one guy they do have right now that I think could be a big contributor on any fantasy team is Trent Richardson. I’ve looked into a couple of fantasy mock drafts this offseason, and I think Richardson is rated a little too high, but he should be a thousand yard back this season.
Coming out of Alabama, I really liked Richardson and as bad as the rest of the Browns’ offense was last season, the rookie had a really solid year. He only rushed for 950 yards, but he had 11 touchdowns and caught 51 passes. I fully expect Richardson’s workload to increase, and I think he can be a mid-lower tier RB1 for fantasy leagues this year.
It wouldn’t shock me to see Richardson go for 1,200 yards, 12 TDs, and 50 catches or something like that. The offense will go through #33 in Cleveland. He is their star player, and he is the top fantasy option on this team that I can see by far.
Fantasy Risk — Josh Gordon, WR
Josh Gordon, a second round pick in the 2012 Supplemental Draft, was suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season, so there’s automatic risk involved there.
Right now, Gordon is one mis-step away from being suspended for a full season, but the guy has a ton of talent. The 6’4″ 220 pound former Baylor receiver has a ton of ability, and proved last year that he could put up some big fantasy numbers on occasion with his big play ability.
As a rookie, Gordon caught 50 passes for 805 yards and five touchdowns, including a 100 yard game against the Raiders. Gordon might be a big risk if you play in a non-PPR league, as he won’t catch a ton of passes but could make a lot of big plays. Plus, you have to hope he works himself back into the rotation smoothly after his suspension.
I really like Gordon, but he’s definitely a fantasy risk.
Fantasy Sleeper — Jordan Cameron, TE
Cameron is a freakish athlete who has a ton of upside this season. He’s only caught 26 passes to this point in his career, but he is big and fast, and can make an impact in Norv Turner’s offense, which has been very good to tight end Antonio Gates over the years.
Cameron was one of the bigger stories out of Browns mini-camp, and if he can continue that momentum into the pre-season and regular season, there’s no doubt he could have some upside as a fantasy TE.
This seems like one of those guys who will slip through the cracks on most draft days, but he has a chance to be the #1 TE this season and could be in line for a breakout year.