Kevin Harris

Cleveland made a very intriguing move by trading for Pierre Strong. There is not much talent behind All-Pro and first-round fantasy stud running back Nick Chubb on the Browns’ depth chart, especially after Kareem Hunt was not re-signed by the Browns.

Offseason darling Jerome Ford was getting a lot of love as a sleeper from fantasy managers but was hampered by a hamstring during training camp, leading to the move to get Strong. Chubb will remain in line for most of the touches in the backfield but as Strong begins to be implemented into the offense he may start to garner more touches than Ford. This is something to monitor going forward as we head into the season. For the time being both Ford and Strong could be rostered in deeper dynasty league formats, and Ford should be the priority.

Once the Patriots signed Ezekiel Elliot, the days of Strong being a Patriot were numbered. With teams trying to make some moves to get down to the mandatory 53-man roster, the Patriots saw an opportunity to add depth to their offensive line by trading for offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley.

Rhamondre Stevenson will still be the Patriots running back worth rostering, but Elliot is sure to have his share of touches and must be rostered in 12-team leagues as well. Another beneficiary of the Strong trade is veteran RB Ty Montgomery. Coach Bill Belichick has endorsed Montgomery’s play in the past and this trade should signal that Montgomery should make the final roster.