Isaiah Crowell

Browns heap praise on Duke Johnson, Isaiah Crowell

Cleveland Browns running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson "are as good as I've seen in awhile," Browns' coach Hue Jackson said.

What It Means:

Jackson said he was "very happy" with the running backs on the roster earlier this week, but he took it a step further Tuesday. "I really think Isaiah Crowell is a really good running back," Jackson said. "Obviously, Isaiah is very explosive. He's got quick feet, he's fast in the hole, he runs with good pad level." Crowell has struggled to consistently contribute in the pros, but he was a highly-rated recruit -- named SEC Freshman of the Year in his first season at Georgia -- with a tantalizing skill set.

Among backs with at least 100 carries in 2015, Crowell ranked 31st in Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) per carry while Johnson checked in 38th. Both figure to get work in 2016 in what doesn't figure to be a high-flying offense, limiting the ceiling of each. However, for those looking for late-round lottery tickets, Johnson or Crowell could hit big if the other goes down with an injury.