The Cleveland Browns Should Consider Karlos Williams
The Cleveland Browns need to consider running back Karlos Williams.
The Cleveland Browns need help at running back, and Karlos Williams could be a player who can remedy the position. The Buffalo Bills released Williams Aug. 20.
The Browns didn’t upgrade the running back position during the offseason. Williams can help this team.
Currently, if the season were to start today, Isaiah Crowell would be the starter with Duke Johnson and either Rahim Mostert or Terrell Watson as the third back.
This quartet is very unproven. Combined, Crowell and Johnson totaled 1,085 rushing yards last season. Todd Gurley ammassed 1,106 yards by himself en route to winning Rookie of the Year.
If the season starts with those three as the backs, the running game is in trouble. Surprisingly, the offense has looked good so far during the past three games. Deep throws will hide a lot of flaws.
Robert Griffin‘s athleticism hasn’t looked this sharp since his rookie season. Josh Gordon looks like he can still make an impact, even after missing two years of action.
Terrelle Pryor is more comfortable at receiver. First-round pick Corey Coleman figures to be a huge factor in Hue Jackson’s offense. Gary Barnidge should have another great season.
The offense has the potential to be dangerous. However, with play-action figuring to be a huge factor in RG3‘s game, a grounded rushing attack could hinder its progression.
Maybe Crowell isn’t getting enough credit. But his inability to fight for extra yards has stalled numerous drives over the years. Johnson has been a good complement back, but with his size, he might not be capable of getting 15-25 carries per game.
Signing free-agent running back Karlos Williams would fix this problem. He comes with a little baggage, but not enough where it can’t be carried. The Buffalo Bills released him because of weight problems, according to NFL.com.
His violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, which led to a four game suspension, could also be a reason for his release.
Williams rushed for 517 yards and seven touchdowns last season for the Bills. His carries increased after LeSean McCoy went down with an injury. The back probably would’ve produced bigger numbers if McCoy had been out for the season.
Williams is a big, strong back. He’s 6-foot-1, 230 pounds. He uses his size and speed to get past defenders. He plays with an attitude and brings an “edge” to the field.
Throughout history, the Browns have possessed a strong rushing attack, which dates back to Jim Brown. In the 1980s, Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack carried the load. But since 1999, the closest Cleveland has come to a strong rushing attack was one good year from Jamal Lewis and Peyton HIllis, respectively.
The Browns play in the AFC North. It’s mandatory to have a tough, gritty back that can handle the bad weather, and be able to carry the ball 25-30 times during the worst weather conditions. Williams could easily be that type-back for the Browns.
The Browns should cut Crowell and give the starting spot to Williams. Johnson would remain the backup. Talk about thunder and lightning!
Williams would be the perfect fit for the team, and it would make it easier for the offense to open up for Griffin.
This transaction just makes sense. Williams is only 23-years old. He has the potential to get better.
The Browns need to read this and act quickly. Both the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers have expressed interest in him.
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Signing Williams isn’t likely, and the Browns will probably have one of the worst rushing backfields in the NFL. The Browns must consider making this move.