The rollercoaster that has been the Cleveland Browns offseason still has a few more twists and turns, likely, ahead of it. With, seemingly, endless possibilities when it started, GM Andrew Berry is a little over two weeks away from his third draft running the franchise and the offseason has some clarity:
- Deshaun Watson is in, Baker Mayfield is likely out
- Amari Cooper is in, Jarvis Landry is, currently, out
- Anthony Walker, Chris Hubbard, Ronnie Harrison and Chase McLaughlin have returned for a year
- Chase Winovich, Taven Bryan, Jakeem Grant, Ethan Pocic and Corey Bojorquez are all in as well
Free agency and trades could see even more shakeup with the roster before, during and after the NFL draft.
What is less clear is what Berry will do when the draft rolls around. The team has reportedly had a tight end and an older wide receiver in for visits already and now comes word that they have also brought in a running back:
ASU RB Rachaad White recently had a Top 30 Visit with the #Browns. He’ll travel to Tampa for a visit with the #Buccaneers on Wednesday.
White has met virtually w/ several teams, long list includes #Saints, #Bills, #Bengals, #Ravens and #Raiders.
LOVE White as a prospect.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 11, 2022
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With Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, D’Ernest Johnson (restricted free agent currently) and Demetric Felton likely a part of the roster in 2022, adding a back in the draft doesn’t seem to make sense. It is possible the team plans to use Felton more as a wide receiver and Johnson still could sign elsewhere but, with limited draft capital, a running back doesn’t seem to fit.
As with all visits, the team could just be gathering information for the future or just in case things work out. With Hunt’s pending free agency after the season, it is possible Berry plans for the long-term.
The prospect, Rachaad White, played just 15 games at Arizona State with only one year of real production. Last year, White ran for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns on just 182 carries while adding 43 receptions for 456 yards. He tacked on a receiving touchdown to his total.
At the next level, White could be a pass-catching threat right away while biding his time behind more established runners. He fits the Browns zone scheme but is expected to be drafted in the third or fourth round of the upcoming draft.
With bigger needs on the roster, taking White with one of their first three picks seems like a long shot. Then again, Berry’s offseason has had some surprises already so one more might not be shocking.
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