A one-time highly touted recruit out of Columbus, Georgia, Isaiah Crowell began his college career at the University of Georgia, but off-the-field trouble led to the end of his career with the Bulldogs. Resurfacing at Alabama State in Montgomery, Alabama, Crowell performed well enough to earn a free agent contract with the Browns, who despite signing Ben Tate and drafting Terrance West wanted to keep upgrading the talent level in their backfield. Is Crowell going to be a diamond in the rough for Cleveland?

Fantasy Upside
Given extensive playing time in Cleveland’s final preseason game, Crowell gained 108 total yards and scored on a 48-yard touchdown run. The Browns thought highly enough of his potential that they waived veterans Chris Ogbonnaya and Dion Lewis to keep Crowell on the roster. Ball control is the name of the game in Cleveland this year as the Browns bid farewell to last year’s pass-happy scheme. All of their backs will be busy.

Fantasy Downside
As long as Tate and West perform well, Crowell’s path to playing time is going to be blocked. Eventual starting quarterback Johnny “Football” Manziel will be stealing rushing yards and touchdowns away from whoever shares the backfield with him. Crowell and the rest of the runners will be dealing with heavy focus from enemy defenses, as Cleveland’s passing game will be erratic.

Bottom Line
Crowell is mostly a dynasty prospect, but Tate has been injury-prone during his career and West was far from flawless during the preseason. Crowell can’t be ruled out as a 2014 contributor. Although he is not worthy of a redraft selection, he is a name to remember in case the situation in Cleveland changes rapidly.