In addition to the quarterback or lineman that they’ll likely select first, the Cleveland Browns need help at numerous other positions. Looking further down in the draft, Cleveland needs an offensive playmaker outside of quarterback. While running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson are serviceable, neither one is a superstar by any means. So the Browns need someone that can take the pressure off the quarterback and create big plays for himself. Selecting again at the number 12 spot, class-headlining running backs like LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook will likely be unavailable to the Browns. Furthermore, the Browns will likely pick a defensive player with the 12th pick to improve their sorely lacking defense. So who will the Browns be able to pick at the top of the second round? Enter explosive Texas Longhorn running back and 2016 Heisman Trophy candidate, D’Onta Foreman.
Why the Cleveland Browns Should Draft D’Onta Foreman
The Complete Package
D’Onta Foreman has everything that a rebuilding franchise needs. First off, he’s incredibly young. Foreman will be turning 21 on April 24, 2017. That’s three days before the draft. Even for coming out of school early, he’s remarkably young for someone with his skills. He also has a great combination of size and speed. At 6’0″, 238 pounds, Foreman can absolutely flatten defenders who get in his way. However, he’s just small enough to be able to bounce a run to the outside and be shifty when he needs it. Get in his way, and two things might happen: either he’ll bowl you over, or he’ll be the one getting out of your way.
But you simply cannot live on physical talent alone (just ask players like Tony Mandarich and JaMarcus Russell). D’Onta Foreman is just as smart as he is talented. He knows how and when to hit the hole, and all evidence states that he’s worked on his decision making, which was iffy to start. Foreman can catch the ball in a pinch, and his fundamentals are sound. There’s no doubt he can still be even better, especially considering his skill set.
The Longhorn Connection
Okay, this may or may not be a merit to how good of a back Foreman actually is, but think about the running backs that have come out of Texas. The University of Texas is a pipeline for NFL running backs. Kansas City Chiefs superstar Jamaal Charles and NFL Hall of Famer Earl Campbell both played running back for the Longhorns in college. Foreman grew up in Texas, so he knew what he was getting into when he committed to Texas. Foreman could be the next in a long line of great Longhorn running backs to succeed in the NFL.
Bang for the Buck
The 2017 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded. At nearly every position, this draft is deep with NFL-level talent. Running back is no different. In a draft filled with great backs, such as the aforementioned Fournette and Cook, Foreman seems to be flying under the radar. Most mock drafts have him available in the second round. And looking at Foreman’s NFL potential, that’s an absolute steal. Big, strong running backs like Foreman will likely be in the league for a while, considering the durability of their bodies. Foreman could be in (and make an impact in) this league for a long time, barring something unforeseen. And that type of consistency is exactly what the Browns need on their roster.
Conclusion and Pro Comparison
D’Onta Foreman is an underrated back in the 2017 Draft, and he could be a serious impact player on the Cleveland Browns. The Browns need someone to take pressure off of their quarterback(s) in 2017, and Foreman could be the answer. Working in tandem with Crowell and Duke Johnson could be a great “running back by committee” situation once Cleveland fixes their offensive line. There’s a little bit of Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart or now-retired Marshawn Lynch in Foreman. A solid, complete running back who is a bruiser and can tire out defenders. If all goes well, and Foreman gets even better, there’s some LaDainian Tomlinson in there too. And that explosiveness should be music to the ears of both Browns fans and Cleveland’s personnel.
