Pierre Strong Jr. Traded To The Browns: Fantasy Football Outlook

Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. was the 127th overall pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft. Strong had a productive four-year college career at South Dakota State.

The former Jackrabbit was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 117 rushing attempts for 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns. Strong averaged 9.5 yards per rushing attempt that season. The following year, he had 143 rushing attempts for 1,018 yards and eight touchdowns.

Strong only played nine games in 2020, totaling 131 rushing attempts for 707 yards and three touchdowns, all career lows. However, he bounced back in his final year at South Dakota State with 240 rushing attempts for 1,686 yards and 18 touchdowns, setting career highs in every category.

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Should I Draft Pierre Strong Jr.?

Last year, the Patriots used a fourth-round draft pick on the former Jackrabbit despite having Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris on the team. When New England lost Damien Harris in free agency, Strong had a chance to become the No. 2 running back.

Unfortunately, that changed after the team added Ezekiel Elliott a few weeks ago. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that the Patriots traded Strong to the Browns for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr.

According to the RotoBaller ADP, the second-year running isn’t getting drafted on average in standard-size leagues. However, should he get drafted following the trade to Cleveland?

Fantasy players have no reason to draft the former Jackrabbit. He had only 10 rushing attempts for 100 yards and a touchdown in 15 games last season. Furthermore, the Browns view Jerome Ford as their No. 2 running back on the roster.

Who Should I Consider Drafting Instead Of Pierre Strong Jr.?

Instead of using your last-round draft pick on Strong, fantasy players should consider drafting Evan Hull, Chris Evans, Sean Tucker, Rico Dowdle, or Latavius Murray. All five running backs have an ADP outside the top 275, according to RotoBaller.

Tucker potentially has the most upside. The undrafted free agent made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53-man roster. He could be an injury to Rachaad White away from a starting role.

However, Hull is my favorite dart throw target. The Indianapolis Colts could trade Jonathan Taylor at any moment, opening the starting role to the rookie. Even if Taylor plays for the Colts this season, don’t be surprised if Hull carves out a passing game role for himself.

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