Cleveland Browns: 3 little discussed players who could have big years
By Chad Porto
Andy Janovich
The Cleveland Browns acquired the former Denver Bronco in the offseason with the intention of using him regularly. He’s durable and reliable and if his time in Denver is any sign, the Browns will have one heck of a blocker for the team to work behind. Janovich isn’t just a great blocker, however, as he’s not too shabby of a playmaker in his own right.
In his senior year in college, Janovich averaged over six years a carry for the year, where he had 46 attempts for 265 yards. Sure, it’s not a guy cranking out 2,000 yards on 200 carries or something lunatic-inducing, but it’s a nice sign. The numbers are similar to Peyton Hillis’ during Hills’ time at Arkansas. Not a perfect one-to-one comparison but it’s something to notice, as not every great player always has great college stats. Sometimes someone just needs a chance. Like Hillis needed. Maybe Janovich is in the same boat.
Janovich is also a decent pass-catcher, despite not having many opportunities, he’s never dropped a pass since coming to the pros, and while his 40-yard dash is only a 4.8, he’s shown to have shifty hips and good mobility in the opening. Making his need for top-end speed unnecessary.
Janovich could be an easy Pro Bowl selection for 2020. While fullbacks may have fallen in favor in recent years, the AFC and the NFC still send one player from the position to the Pro Bowl every year, with the Baltimore Ravens’ Patrick Ricard being the selection for 2019. Janovich will find himself with plenty of opportunities to prove himself as a blocker and depending on the health and efficiency of some of the pass-catchers on this team, could see himself put up decent receiving numbers as well.
Nothing more than a few hundred yards, mind you, but enough to add to his body of work.