5 NFL Players Who Should Get More Touches in the Second Half of the Season

Duke Johnson, RB, Cleveland Browns

It’s arguable that Duke Johnson is already the best receiver on the Cleveland Browns. To this point, he’s been used like it. He leads the team in targets (48), receptions (36), and receiving yards (324). But he’s also been the team’s best rusher -- a role he hasn’t played nearly enough of this season. Despite out-snapping Isaiah Crowell (52.9 percent to 51.8 percent), Johnson has only 34 rushing attempts compared to Crowell’s 102.

On his small sample of carries, Johnson has been one of the league’s most productive runners. Among 64 running backs with at least 30 carries, Johnson’s 0.26 Rushing NEP per carry is second behind only Alvin Kamara and his 50 percent Success Rate -- the percentage of runs that positively impact NEP -- is second behind Aaron Jones.

Meanwhile, Crowell ranks 56th with a -0.20 Rushing NEP per carry and 49th with a 32.4 percent Success Rate. Johnson might not be able to sustain that type of efficiency with an increased load of carries, but with the drastic difference in production between the two backs, it’s probably worth it for Cleveland to see if Johnson could handle that type of load going forward.