There are few teams in the NFL that have been as perennially bad as the Cleveland Browns. However, with some new faces, and a new coaching staff in place, there appears to be hope for this coming season. While I am not sold just yet on the 2013 Browns, I do believe this year will provide fantasy owners with value that has not been seen in quite a while. Besides running back Trent Richardson, many Browns players should fall to the middle or late rounds of all drafts, which means Cleveland could provide lots of potential in 2013.

Brandon Weeden, Quarterback

While Weeden’s 2012 numbers did not provide much fantasy value, 2013 could bring drastic improvement. Coming into his second season in the league, the Browns have seemingly made all of the right moves to surround him with talent. Even though the offense will run through running back Richardson, there is a lot of young talent to be excited about. One of the biggest offseason moves for the Browns on the offensive side of the ball was the addition of wide receiver Davone Bess from the Miami Dolphins. While this acquisition may not have come with as much fan-fare as signing a Mike Wallace or trading for an Anquan Boldin, Bess should be a great compliment to the younger receivers, and will give Weeden a reliable option out of the slot. While Weeden may not be ready to break into the fantasy elite, I do believe he will become a great QB2, and someone who could be a nice spot-start option.

2013 Stat Projection: 3,600 yards passing, 19 passing touchdowns, 15 interceptions

Trent Richardson, Running Back

Richardson had a nice rookie season, rushing for 950 yards, 11 touchdowns and finishing as the ninth overall fantasy running back. With the addition of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who is a great offensive mind, and some time to rest and get healthy; Richardson could be a fantasy workhorse in 2013. One thing he has major room to improve upon this season is his yards-per-carry (YPC), which was a 3.6 average in 2012. If he can continue to produce the touchdowns, and up his YPC, as I predict he will; then he is worthy of being one of the top-five fantasy backs taken. The potential is there, and with a team that should be much improved, things are looking up for Richardson’s value.

2013 Stat Projection: 275 rushes, 1,250 yards rushing, 13 rushing touchdowns

Josh Gordon, Wide Receiver

With only 50 receptions in 2012, Gordon has lots of room to grow within the Browns offense. While Cleveland should be a stronger team this year, the second year receiver out of Baylor will have a chance to shine. If he can establish himself as Weeden’s go-to guy, then Gordon could be a late-round steal in all drafts. He should be a mid-level WR2, with the potential of becoming a No. 1. At worst, Gordon will be a top-tier flex player this coming year.

2013 Stat Projection: 85 receptions, 1,050 yards receiving, 7 receiving touchdowns

Final Thoughts

Richardson is the clear fantasy-star on this roster, and should not disappoint. Weeden’s play this season will either make or break the rest of the Browns' fantasy value. Gordon should be the top-producer for the Browns in the passing game, and if he slips to the later rounds in your fantasy drafts, do not be afraid to take the risk on him. Greg Little should also be a decent flex option, but there are times when he displays poor hands, and this makes me shy away from him in fantasy. Little could be high-reward player in 2013, but I would much rather select Bess over him this year. A sleeper pick on the Browns roster this season could be tight end Jordan Cameron. With the departure of Benjamin Watson to New Orleans, Cameron should have plenty of opportunities to prove his worth in the fantasy world. Finally, it should also be noted that the Browns could be on their way to becoming a top-15 defense, and could also be worthy of a selection in your 2013 draft. The Browns should be a much improved team, and while they may still be a year or two away from being a legitimate contender in the AFC North, it appears this may be the year they can help you shape your team into a legitimate contender in fantasy.