2015 Fantasy Football Outlook for Cleveland Browns Stars
The fantasy football outlook for whoever is left on the Cleveland Browns payroll in 2015 is so dismal it deserves its own disaster cliche: dumpster wreck.
Train fire, maybe?
Either way, Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon are leaving Andrew Hawkins, Terrence West and Isaiah Crowell holding the wind.
Blowing in the bag, perhaps?
Owner Jimmy Haslam conducted this snowballing calamity by attempting a poor man’s impression of Jerry Jones, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.com:
""Jimmy is way too hands on," said one team source. "He's like Jerry Jones, only without the football knowledge. There's tension between [president] Alec [Scheiner] and [head coach Mike] Pettine. Everybody sees that. Alec is involved in everything; it's too much for him. There are no divisions. The guys on the business side want to run football operations. The GM [Ray Farmer] wants to coach the team and have input on play calling. Jimmy calls the shots, and everyone is afraid of him with that quick trigger finger. If you stand up to Jimmy, he's done with you. Jimmy's own worst enemy is Jimmy."
It's a mess,’ another team source said. ‘Everyone is trying to do everyone else's job. It's crazy.
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Front-office meddling drove offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan out of Cleveland, according to La Canfora:
"At season's end Shanahan, the lone bright spot on offense, perhaps, presented Pettine with a 32-point presentation on why he wanted to get out of his contract, sources said. And after much deliberation among lawyers and negotiation, in a bizarre precedent, a statement was crafted and Shanahan was a free man. He would end up in Atlanta, a coveted job, and a hiring that Banner, consulting for Falcons owner Arthur Blank, played a role in; Lombardi just won a Super Bowl ring as a personnel advisor to Bill Belichick. Allowing Shanahan to walk sent shockwaves through the building, with such a talented coach allowed to go at a time when the Browns desperately needed to develop a quarterback and with a quarter of the teams in the NFL needing a new offensive coordinator.
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The Browns hired John DeFilippo to replace Shanahan. The first-time offensive coordinator at any level was most recently the quarterbacks coach in Oakland until the Raiders released the entire staff after 2014.
DeFilippo and head coach Mike Pettine face a monumental task in 2015, attempting to repair an offense torn apart by off-field problems. Sorting through the Browns' fantasy options is equally difficult.
Honorable Mentions
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Connor Shaw, QB
Speaking of annoying cliches, if the season started today, Shaw would be Cleveland’s starting quarterback.
Unfortunately, the season does not start today for the undrafted South Carolina product. He holds no fantasy interest heading into 2015.
Rodney Smith, WR
The Browns plucked Smith off Minnesota’s waiver wire much like the Vikings snagged Charles Johnson off Cleveland’s practice squad earlier in the season.
It wasn't exactly an even exchange.
The two-year, undrafted free agent out of Florida State is the tallest member of Cleveland’s otherwise pocket-sized receiving corps at 6’5”, 220 pounds. He might find work as a red-zone target, but for now he has no fantasy prospects in 2015.
Glenn Winston, RB
Winston enters 2015 without competition for Cleveland’s third running back spot on the roster. The Browns signed the undrafted free agent after San Francisco added him to the final preseason roster cuts.
He almost saw playing time due to Terrance West’s ball-security concerns, according to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland. The 6’2”, 220-pound Michigan State product is an unknown commodity for NFL and fantasy purposes.
Shaun Draughn, RB
The Browns signed Draughn late in the season to add depth at running back after releasing Ben Tate.
"Browns news (but not what everyone is waiting for): Cleveland signed former Chargers RB Shaun Draughn to 1-yr deal, per @seanstellato.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2014
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The four-year journeyman is an exclusive-rights free agent, according to Over the Cap.
Jim Dray, TE
Dray is considered a blocking tight end, even though he led Cleveland’s reserves with 17 receptions for 242 yards and a touchdown.
The sixth-year Stanford product won’t inherit Jordan Cameron’s TE1 position if the Pro Bowler leaves via free agency, as reported by CBS Sports.com’s Jason La Canfora.
Gary Barnidge, TE
Barnidge would be Cameron’s replacement at TE1 if Cleveland lets the Pro Bowler walk in free agency.
The seven-year veteran out of Louisville—Go Cardinals!—hasn’t flashed anything noteworthy in fantasy circles. Don’t count on Barnidge to replace even a fraction of Cameron’s production in 2015.
Travis Benjamin, WR
Benjamin’s production vanished when Josh Gordon returned from suspension in Week 12. The 2012 fourth-rounder out of Miami registered just three catches for 45 yards after making 15 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns during Gordon’s suspension.
The 5’10”, 172-pound burner led the team in receiving touchdowns (three) but doesn’t warrant fantasy attention in 2015.
Johnny Manziel, QB
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The discussion heading into the 2014 NFL draft centered on Manziel’s ability on the field in articles like Peter King’s roundtable on The MMQB.com.
Some scouts and draft experts expressed concerns regarding Manziel’s focus and off-field behavior, but the first-rounder from Texas A&M far exceeded their worst expectations. Not only did the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner sink his own rookie season, but he affected Josh Gordon as well, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.
Manziel’s actions did not mesh with his words in his 2014 exit interview with reporters, per Cabot:
"‘There's nothing I can sit here and tell you [that will make this go away],’he said. ‘I can't sit here and talk to these mics or these cameras or anything that's going to do any good. It's about actions, it's about being accountable and doing what I'm going to say instead of looking like a jackass.’
Manziel, who bolted for South Beach shortly after that interview and has been photographed since that day partying there, in Aspen, Colo. with Josh Gordon and in Houston, admitted that he overslept for his hamstring treatment because he partied too hard the night before. The Browns dispatched security to his house to make sure he was okay.
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The aftermath found Manziel entering rehab on February 2, in a statement released by adviser Brad Beckworth, per Cleveland Browns.com:
"Johnny knows there are areas he needs to improve on to help him be a better family member, friend and teammate, so he decided to take this step in his life during the offseason. On behalf of Johnny and his family, we’re asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.
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Ray Farmer’s response followed on the team's official website:
"We respect Johnny's initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process. Our players' health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns. We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player. Johnny's privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same.
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Cleveland is courting Brian Hoyer as a result, according to Cabot. Hoyer started 13 games for the Browns in 2014 and is scheduled to become a free agent on March 10.
Sources within the organization also said the team would consider trading up for the likes of Marcus Mariota, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report. Cleveland is currently the only team with two first-round picks—Nos. 12 and 19.
As it stands now, Manziel is an astonishing bust to be avoided in 2015.
Taylor Gabriel, WR
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Gabriel’s rookie preseason was so impressive he made the active roster over Charles Johnson and Nate Burleson. Ray Farmer rated Gabriel’s rookie performance above all others in camp, according to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich via Twitter.
"Asked which rookie he's been most impressed with, #Browns GM Ray Farmer said he's proud of undrafted receiver Taylor Gabriel.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) September 5, 2014
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The undrafted Abilene Christian product—Go Wildcats!—finished fourth in yards after catch per reception, according to Pro Football Focus. That stat illustrates the deep threat generated by the 5’8”, 167-pounder.
He’ll never be a must-start, No. 1 wide receiver, but his 36 catches for 621 yards and a touchdown were unexpected. Monitor his growth and Cleveland’s roster moves in 2015, but add Gabriel as a reserve to only the deepest rosters.
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Miles Austin, WR
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Austin’s biggest obstacle throughout his nine-year career is avoiding injury. He started all 16 games just once for Dallas in 2010, according to Pro Football Reference.
He finished his first season with the Browns on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney. Mike Pettine praised Austin’s efforts on an otherwise troubled offense, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com:
"It's really unfortunate, because he was a guy that really embodies what we're trying to build here. How guys handle themselves on and off the field, how they interact with teammates and with the staff, and just their level of play. How they approach the game. Everything A to Z.
We couldn't have asked a guy to come in and be a better example for our young players while at the same time being a very productive member of our receiving corps as well.
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Pettine’s extolling foreshadows the unrestricted free agent's possible return to the Browns in 2015, according to Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer: "I doubt they will use a first-round pick on a receiver. They may return to free agency for this season's version of Andrew Hawkins, their free-agent pick from 2014. If he's healthy, Miles Austin is likely to be offered a chance to return."
Austin will be a possession receiver at most wherever he lands in 2015, making him barely flex-worthy heading into his 10th season.
Brian Hoyer, QB
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Hoyer finished 2014 the way it started: as Cleveland’s No. 1 quarterback.
He held off Johnny Manziel for most of the season thanks to good decision-making with a strong rushing foundation—the Browns finished 17th in rushing yards (1,728), according to Pro Football Reference.
The trouble started when Josh Gordon returned in Week 12. Hoyer boasted an 86.0 passer rating through 10 games, although he struggled in Week 11 versus Houston.
He threw as many interceptions in the following seven quarters (five) as he’d thrown all season. Hoyer mentioned the lack of cohesion with Gordon as a factor in his decline, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group:
"Like I told you guys before - it's hard enough to play games when you're practicing every week, every day of the season let alone be suspended 10 games and come back and be expected to be a key component of the offense. There were times when we definitely were not on the same page. When you're figuring that out in a game it can definitely hurt you.
We were able to overcome some of that in the Atlanta game and still win. When you have those mistakes against a good defense it's definitely going to hurt you. You don't blame Josh. Josh is in a tough situation. He was brought back. Obviously everyone knows how talented Josh is. You want to get him on the field. You want to get him the ball. It just didn't work out for us.
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Ray Farmer is open to re-signing Hoyer, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com:
"If he wants to be back, that leverage is definitely in his court to make that happen. I would say from a business perspective, people don't always see eye-to-eye. Your value for how you see something vs. how I see it doesn't always come together. That's how things don't happen. That's something for Brian's agent and I to work out.
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The Cleveland native appears eager to return, according to Scott Petrak of the Elysian Chronicle-Telegram via Twitter.
"#Browns Brian Hoyer doesn't know if he will hit open market. Wouldn't say if he wants to. Open to returning with chance to start.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) February 7, 2015
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Hoyer will be the presumptive starter heading into training camp given Manziel’s disastrous debut—a 29.6 passer rating in two starts—and eventual entry into rehab.
The Michigan State product has little fantasy value heading into his seventh season, however. Cast him as nothing more than emergency roster depth in 2015.
Andrew Hawkins, WR
6 of 10
Hawkins wrapped his finest season in the NFL in 2014. He nearly topped his three-year career in Cincinnati—86 receptions, 995 yards and four touchdowns—in his first year with the Browns—63, 824 and two—according to Pro Football Reference.
Hawkins spent the offseason earning the right kind of attention—unlike Josh Gordon. Mike Pettine noticed, according to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich via Twitter.
"#Browns HC Mike Pettine said WR Andrew Hawkins has stood out this spring "for sure." Likes his short area quickness.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) June 11, 2014
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The undrafted free agent out of Toledo—Go Rockets!—handled WR1 duties well during Gordon’s absence. He finished 11th overall with a top-five grade for blocking among wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
At 5’7”, 180 pounds, Hawkins would be more effective with a true field-stretching WR1 opposite him. Regardless, he makes the short list of Ray Farmer’s sparse positive moves in his first year as an NFL GM.
Hawkins should be looked at as a flex with upside in points-per-reception formats for 2015.
Jordan Cameron, TE
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Cleveland’s odds of retaining Cameron’s services aren’t high, according to ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi via Twitter.
"“@snilch: Chances the Browns re-sign Cameron?” // 1%.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 3, 2015
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Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.com reported sources told him the unrestricted free agent isn’t interested in returning to the Browns.
The 2011 fourth-rounder out of Southern California suffered three concussions in two seasons, stifling an encore to his 80-catch, 917-yard and seven-touchdown eruption in 2013. But he isn’t concerned about the injuries, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal:
"I don’t think it’s a concern. I wouldn’t play if it was. I’m being honest [reporting symptoms]. I think you should be in these situations. I want to play. It’s one of those things you’ve got to be cautious with concussions. It is what it is. The protocol, they’re very serious about it, as they should be, and it just takes time.
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Seattle showed interest in Cameron when shopping Percy Harvin in 2014, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com via Twitter.
"#Seahawks need TEs because of injuries. Among names floated during #Browns talks for Harvin? Jordan Cameron. Deal never materialized.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 19, 2014
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Cleveland could afford to franchise Cameron with the third-most cap space in the league ($51.7 million), according to Over the Cap. He’s the team’s most likely candidate, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Whether Cameron sticks with the Browns, reunites with college coach Pete Carroll or ends up somewhere else, his elite skill set puts him in the top 10 among tight ends in 2015 despite the injury concerns.
Terrance West, RB
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West is looking to improve on a notable rookie campaign by cutting weight in the offseason, according to Kevin Jones of Cleveland Browns.com:
"West posted [on Instagram] that he weighed 228 pounds when the NFL season ended with 13.7 percent body fat. He wasn’t exactly proud of that number.
‘I’m out here working, baby,’ West said in one of his videos. ‘I’m never trying to get off the field, man. This year is my year.’
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Cleveland’s third-rounder out of Towson—Go Tigers!—is looking to separate himself after falling behind fellow rookie Isaiah Crowell in fantasy production—94 to 103 points, per ESPN.com. West bracketed healthy scratches in Weeks 6 and 16 with his best games of the season in Weeks 1 (16 carries for 100 yards) and 17 (18 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown).
That inconsistency will define West’s 2015 campaign as long as Crowell shares the workload with him in the Browns backfield.
Isaiah Crowell, RB
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Crowell did more with less in what was a crowded backfield for the Browns in 2014.
The undrafted free agent out of Alabama State—Go Hornets!—averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 148 for 607 and eight touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. Crowell finished 28th among running backs in fantasy scoring with 103 points, according to ESPN.com.
Crowell earned the bulk of Cleveland’s short-yardage work, finishing 16th among running backs in red-zone fantasy scoring with 48 points, according to CBS Sports.com.
The unheralded rookie admitted it was tough to find his rhythm early while competing with Ben Tate and Terrance West for carries, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group. "Yeah, it's hard to get into rhythm with three guys just because you don't get warm," he said. "You kind of come to the sideline and kind of get kind of cold. But it's been all right. It's been working so far. We've been winning games. So I don't have a problem with it."
Crowell and West’s effectiveness eventually rendered Tate expendable just eight games into his two-year free-agent contract.
Pro Bowl center Alex Mack’s return is a boon for Crowell’s 2015 prospects, but his upside is severely limited as long as he’s splitting carries with West.
Josh Gordon, WR
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The NFL suspended Gordon for the entire 2015 season for violating the substance-abuse policy, according to NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling.
It’s the third suspension in the All-Pro’s brief career as Cleveland’s most talented offensive player.
Gordon tested positive for alcohol, according to Pro Football Talk via Twitter.
"As @AdamSchefter reports, Josh Gordon is facing one-year suspension. Per source, Gordon tested positive for alcohol.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 25, 2015
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A DWI arrest in July and guilty plea in September added alcohol to Gordon’s list of banned substances, according to Pro Football Talk via Twitter.
"Because of his DUI, alcohol is one of the substances for which Josh Gordon was being tested.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 25, 2015
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Alcohol’s place in the substance abuse program illuminates a puzzling standard considering the NFL endorses alcohol consumption and generates millions in concession sales and sponsorship revenue from alcohol producers. Regardless, the NFL’s duplicitous policy is clear, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport via Twitter.
"Because of Josh Gordon’s DUI, he’s tested for alcohol. And the @NFL’s drug policy is extremely strict and spelled out. He’ll wait for 2016
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2015
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Gordon was both contrite and defensive in an open letter posted to The Cauldron:
"It doesn’t matter if I thought that the league-imposed restriction on drinking had expired at the end of the regular season; what matters is that I didn’t confirm whether or not that was the case. Now, that oversight has further jeopardized my relationship with my team and our fans, my reputation, and maybe even my career.
I am not a drug addict; I am not an alcoholic; I am not someone who deserves to be dissected and analyzed like some tragic example of everything that can possibly go wrong for a professional athlete. And … I am not going to die on account of the troubled state you wrongly believe my life to be in.
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Gordon said he and his agent Drew Rosenhaus will decide whether or not to appeal the ruling.
Gordon will file a grievance against Cleveland for his one-game suspension in the last week of 2014 due to a violation of team rules, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:
"Per a league source, Gordon will soon be filing a grievance with the assistance of the NFLPA challenging the unpaid suspension for missing a Saturday walk-through practice before the regular-season finale against the Ravens. The fight isn’t about getting the game check; it’s about getting credit for a sixth game in 2014 and in turn a year of credit toward free agency.
If Gordon wins the grievance he becomes a free agent in 2016 as soon as the league reinstates him. If not, he must wait until 2017 unless the Browns trade or release him.
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It wouldn’t be the first time Cleveland considered trading the problematic wideout, per Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Mike Pettine aired his frustrations with Gordon before his failed drug test went public, according to Akron Beacon Journal’s Nate Ulrich via Twitter.
"#Browns HC Mike Pettine: Clearly a disappointing end to the year for Josh Gordon. At some point you get tired of using the word potential.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) December 29, 2014
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If you have faith in Gordon, he would make a wise stash in keeper/dynasty leagues in 2015 ahead of his anticipated reinstatement in 2016. If not, it’s time to open a roster spot to someone who will actually compete in the upcoming season.
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