Duke Johnson building block

Is Duke Johnson a Cleveland Browns building block? Check out the post below to see how readers voted.

( cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Whatever Browns fans want in a running back, Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell don't seem to fit the mold.

Nearly a month after telling us that Isaiah Crowell shouldn't be considered a building block, readers gave Johnson a better nod of approval, but still fell short of the 67 percent needed to reach block status. Johnson got 63.5 percent of the yes vote (Crowell got 57.9).

Johnson is a flashy runner who averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a part-time back. He led all rookies in receptions in 2015, and last season became the first Browns running back with at least 500 receiving yards in his first two seasons in the NFL.

But that wasn't enough to make him our fifth building block, joining Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, Terrelle Pryor and Danny Shelton.

Here's what you had to say:

Will: If a reliable every-down back like Crow is not voted a building block (which baffles me), then how can a diminutive 3rd-down back be considered one? I like Duke's game overall, but to me, he is replaceable. When Hue Jackson lauds players who get in the end zone, Crow is a much nicer fit than Duke.

Warpath18: Duke is a very good third down back, but it's almost like you know what's coming. Crowell 1st and 2nd down, Johnson on third...here comes the punter. I want to see him split out more on 1st and 2nd down, with Crowell in the backfield.

kerrchris65: Remember that game when Duke dominated the second half and carried the browns to a win? Or that other game, where he caught a screen pass and took it the distance. Or when he made 3 guys miss behind the line of scrimmage and rolled off a 40 yard gainer? Neither do I, because it never happened. No one gets more undeserved hype and publicity than Duke. For some reason, he's been on the bench in the second half by two different coaching staffs. I've never seen him outrun anything. He's not a building block; he's a novelty.

Browns fan 4ever: How can Duke be a building block when he gets the ball less than ten times a game? As for Crowell they don't use him enough either. But I do think for a guy that big he goes down very easily, arm tackles and tackles for a loss plague him. He is functional but not a big time back by any means

floppy1: He's a fine backup RB -- someone who warrants 5-10 touches a game. He's not explosive. He shouldn't be taking touches away from Crowell and in an ideal world they have a 3rd down back with game breaking speed. He's steady. More James Jackson than Darren Sproles.

ap1987: Definitely a building block. One of the best RBs in the passing game. I also don't think they run the ball to him enough as well.

TomBinsc: Duke is a Great runner and pass catcher. He would be a star on any team.

Ward Burns: Definitely think that he isn't used enough.

GermanDawgPound: Prime example of a player who is not used in Cleveland but will become a star once he is shipped off to a team like the Patriots.

Accepted Browns Building Blocks

* Terrelle Pryor

* Danny Shelton

* Christian Kirksey

Rejected Browns Building Blocks

* Cameron Erving



* Isaiah Crowell

