4 under-the-radar stars of Cleveland Browns training camp
Matthew Dayes, RB
Drafted in the seventh round, Matthew Dayes rode some early-week praise from Cleveland Browns coaches into some successful running during the Orange and Browns scrimmage at FirstEngergy Stadium Aug. 4.
Dayes worked with the Browns’ first-team during the scrimmage, and excelled at the event.
Impossible to see decipher much from this Browns scrimmage, but WR Jordan Leslie and RB Matt Dayes had some nice moments.
— Marc Sessler (@MarcSessler) August 4, 2017
During a scrimmage that looked uneven thanks to everyone (and rightfully so) paying so much attention to the quarterback position, Dayes had a good evening, a reflection of how he’s performed since camp commenced in late July.
With Duke Johnson taking on an increased role at the slot wide receiver position, it’s conceivable to believe Dayes could be second on the Browns’ depth chart when the season opens up against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There’s still an entire preseason to go to sort this out, but Dayes’ has certainly put himself in a favorable position to make the team, and actually see some carries.
Dayes was a seventh round pick in last spring’s NFL Draft. As pointed out on ESPN Cleveland, Dayes knows the exact number of running backs taken before him.
Dayes fits the mold of the Browns current stable of backs in that he carries a chip on his shoulder. Starter Isaiah Crowell went undrafted after coming gout of Alabama State. Duke Johnson was Miami’s all-time leading rushing leader, yet teams scoffed at making him an early-round selection because of his size.
Now, both gentlemen figure to weight heavily into the Browns’ offensive plan.
And if all goes according to plan, Dayes could do the same.