Trent Richardson: Complete Fantasy Profile and Draft Strategy

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson is becoming a popular pick in the early rounds of fantasy drafts across the nation this summer despite the uncertainty surrounding his recent knee surgery.

The rookie was drafted No. 3 overall in last April's 2012 NFL draft by the Browns, who traded up to select him. 

Here, we break down Richardson's fantasy outlook for the 2012 regular season.

Where He Ranks

Richardson is a workhorse type of back, and that means he will get plenty of touches for Cleveland when healthy. Still, there are slight doubts about whether he will be ready for the season opener on September 9. It seems the fourth round is the earliest fantasy owners should consider drafting Richardson.

Richardson has been drafted 38th overall on average in ESPN Fantasy Leagues this summer and ranks as the 17th-best running back available in ESPN Fantasy Football. 

Injury Assessment

Richardson is still recovering from August 9 arthroscopic knee surgery, according to Sporting News' Steve Doerschuk. A potential red flag for drafting the former Alabama back is that it is his second knee surgery this year. 

Although it has yet to be determined if Richardson will start Cleveland's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, he is expected to have the starting job whenever he returns.

Split Situation

With Richardson currently out of the lineup while rehabbing his knee, backups Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson have been seeing a bulk of the carries in practice.

But expect Richardson to take over close to 70 percent of the workload this season once he returns, with Jackson and Hardesty relegated to third down roles. 

Season Projections

With very little other offensive weapons available in Cleveland and the Browns starting a rookie quarterback in Brandon Weeden, look for Richardson to get a ton of carries.

Here are my 2012 projections for the Browns RB: 275 carries, 1,100 yards, 6 touchdowns, 35 receptions, 250 yards. Bye: Week 10.

RBs to Target Before Richardson

Fantasy owners should target veteran backs like Michael Turner, Frank Gore and the banged-up Ryan Mathews before looking to draft Trent Richardson this season.

All three players rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and have valuable NFL regular season experience, which makes them better choices ahead of Richardson. 

RBs to Target After Richardson

Owners would be wise to target Richardson before other same tier running backs like Ahmad Bradshaw, Willis McGahee and Doug Martin in 2012.

Richardson is assured to get more touches than each of the aforementioned players, and that means more production for your fantasy team.

Verdict

Trent Richardson is a stellar fantasy piece to add to your squad this season. Of course, he comes with a bit of uncertainty attached, but that won't change the fact that he is the most dynamic talent the Browns can utilize this fall.

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