Saying he should beat out D’Earnest Johnson for the RB3 in Cleveland is a bit of a stretch. Johnson looked very good when Chubb and Hunt were injured last year, and the Browns wouldn’t have tendered him an offer if they didn’t hold him in fairly high regard.
I was thinking the same thing while reading. I think the Browns picked Ford due to all the things you mentioned. At that pick, he was worth a dart throw, knowing that both Hunt and Johnson would be FA eligible after this season. But when Johnson filled in for Chubb last season, he more than passed my eye test against DEN and NE (which I realize means nothing, as I don’t work for any NFL teams). D’Ernest may have done well enough to receive an offer from another team next offseason as well.
Another thing to remember is that all three of Chubb, Hunt, and Johnson are turning 27 this year. Ford is a great stash regardless what small variable differences you see in their skillset just given the fact that in a year, two at most, he will be presented with a lot of opportunity.
I don’t see Hunt and Johnson being there next year. And that alone makes Ford worth a stash. But I also do like Ford more than Johnson as well. The browns run game is one of the strongest in the league, so it could also mean that is what led Johnson to success, a product of system and opportunity not necessarily his own talent.
