Duke Johnson building block

Is Duke Johnson a Cleveland Browns building block? Check out the argument in the post below and let us know what you think.

( cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before the Browns can build the foundation of a winning franchise, they must identify which players will be part of that foundation. Who are the building blocks?

Cleveland.com is trying to figure that out, and we'd like your help. This series will take a look at veterans and rookies alike to see if they will be Cleveland Browns building blocks. Your feedback will help us determine who is in and who is out.

TODAY: Duke Johnson

Pro

Johnson is the first Browns running back to have more than 500 receiving yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. As a change-of-pace or third-down running back, what more could you ask?

How about this? Johnson's 53 catches last season were sixth most among running backs. This is a season after he was second among all rookies in receptions (61).

It's clear that Johnson is able to do things that other running backs on the roster can't do. Just look at this play from Week 16 against the Chargers.

As the second running back option to Isaiah Crowell, Johnson had 73 carries for 358 yards and a touchdown last season. That includes a 4.9-yard average. Johnson was ranked 43rd among running backs by Pro Football Focus, but 11th as a receiving back.

You could argue that Johnson needs more touches. He had more than five carries only four times last season. He had at least 10 touches five times. One of those was a 10-carry, 69-yard game against the Dolphins.

If Hue Jackson can get Johnson more involved in the offense, good things are bound to happen.

Con

It's unclear what kind of role Johnson is supposed to play in Hue Jackson's offense. While his receptions hovered around three per game, his carries fluctuated from week-to-week.

For an exciting running back at his best in the open field, he doesn't score many touchdowns. Johnson has reached the end zone just three times over the last two seasons. That brings us to the red zone. Johnson has been non-existent there. He had just seven red-zone carries and four catches last season.

Yes, Johnson also returns punts, but his 6.6-yard average on 17 returns would put him near the bottom among NFL returners.

And fake punts? Don't ask.

So is Johnson a building block? Players need to receive 67 percent of the yes vote to be labeled as a building block. Only four players have reached that mark so far.

Vote now. The results will be unveiled on Friday, when we'll find if Johnson becomes block No. 5.

Accepted Browns Building Blocks

* Terrelle Pryor

* Danny Shelton

* Christian Kirksey

Rejected Browns Building Blocks

* Cameron Erving



* Isaiah Crowell

