The Cleveland Browns traded up to land the 2012 NFL Drafts number one rated running back in Trent Richardson.
Richardson has been hailed as the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson and will become an immediate star in both real and virtual gridiron.
His dynasty league prospects are through the roof as he is arguably a top-5 back and may actually be the first running back off the board in leagues that form this year.
T-Rich is a ferocious runner, who refuses to go down on first contact. Watching his tape or highlights will bring a smile to any fantasy player or Browns fan.
This guy is going to be something special.
Richardson will quickly become a household name.
Here are some thoughts on Richardson:
“This was a major need for the Browns. And what separates Richardson from a lot of backs is that he’s a three-down player. This offense had no explosiveness or big plays from the running game a year ago and they were at the bottom of the league and yards after contact were an afterthought. That all changes with Richardson. Not only will he be effective between the tackles, but he is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield and he is a good pass-blocker and very effective in blitz pickup. With new offensive coordinator Brad Childress, it will be a West Coast-style offense. They will emphasize the run game to keep pressure off their quarterback position and, as mentioned, Richardson doesn’t need to come off the field.”
“National Football Post: The shelf life of a RB is short, but Trent Richardson has the ability to be a Pro Bowl back from Day 1. He’s a powerful, downhill runner with the short-area quickness to make a man miss and create space in the open field. Should be a big help to the Browns immediately. NFL ceiling: Top five-player at his position. NFL floor: Solid starter.”
Fantasy Analysis:
Trent Richardson – T-Rich will immediately make those around him better. He is a 300 touch workhorse with enough talent to be anointed the top back in the NFL. He is a borderline top-5 pick in dynasty leagues and a top-7 back in redraft leagues. He will step in as an immediate RB1 and will quickly become one of the hottest names in fantasy. He is an every-down back who will rarely come off the field and score a ton of points for his fantasy owners. He should make Brandon Weeden’s life a lot easier.
Brandon Weeden – We are going to agree with the general consensus that Weeden was drafted to start and having an explosive playmaker like Richardson in the backfield is going to make Weeden’s transition a lot easier. He now has another check down option on top of his tight ends and the fear of Richardson should make for a solid play-action game. He is projected as no more than a potential bye week filler.
Greg Little – Little though still more of a number two receiver type will benefit greatly from opposing D’s stacking the box to stop Richardson. Travis Benjamin and Massaqoui will help stretch the field which in turn should help Little excel on short-to-intermediate routes. Little looks like a flex2 with WR3 upside.
Travis Benjamin and Mohamed Massaquoi – We are not sure who will win this job in camp but they are both burners who will benefit from the extra attention the run game will receive due to T-Rich. They are nothing more than bye week fillers with a chance to come on in the second half of the season.
Now for some highlights:
