Was Richardson the problem in Cleveland?

Now that the Cleveland Browns have two wins under their belt, people are changing their tune about the blockbuster deal that sent Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a No. 1 pick.

People panned the move from the Browns' side, saying giving up a franchise back this early in his career wasn't a good move.

Today, the Browns are the toast of the AFC North.

Maybe getting rid of Richardson wasn't what propelled the modest two-game winning streak.

Maybe getting a Brian Hoyer at quarterback instead of Brandon Weeden helped.

Maybe getting their No. 1 receiver, Josh Gordon, back helped.

Maybe it's just two wins and the bottom will fall out.

I don't think Richardson is or was the problem. A lot of other factors played into the mini-run by the Browns.

It wasn't all Richardson's fault. I'm not ready to bury him as an elite running back, either.

Trent Richardson news presents buying opportunity

The Cleveland Browns have no luck.

But, you could turn that bad luck into some fantasy football luck.

With the news that No. 1 pick Trent Richardson could have surgery today on his knee, fantasy football owners have to be taking that into consideration before they draft.

Before the news, Richardson likely was a first-round pick. Now? Who knows?

The procedure, if it takes place, would sideline Richardson for two or three weeks. The team seems to think he'll be ready for the season opener.

If you draft this weekend, I wouldn't lower him based on this news alone.

Yes, it's a little disheartening to hear. But the Browns were depending on Richardson this year.

I would still take him at the end of the first round.

The information I've seen so far hasn't convinced me to knock him down on my board or avoid him.

Doug Martin looks strong for Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin has been on my radar since he was drafted.

In my 10-team dynasty league, we keep five players. When the draft starts, most of the top 50 players are protected and the first round is usually dominated by rookie running backs.

So I've been keeping a close eye on him since I have the second overall pick.

Martin has been the one I wanted to select, assuming Trent Richardson is gone.

An article I read in the Tampa Bay Times reinforced that.

Granted, it's still early, but coaches and players already have noticed his talent.

Martin has the makings of an every-down back. His stock should continue to climb.

It's July, that means fantasy football season is upon us

I can't believe it's time to get ready for fantasy football season already.

It seems like yesterday there was labor strife in football, but it's been more than a year.

Just wanted to let you know we'll be posting more football opinion and analysis soon.

Here are some of the questions I've been pondering -- and hopefully answering in the not-to-distant future:

• Why is Ryan Mathews' stock rising?
• Is Trent Richardson a safe first-round pick?
• Will Michael Vick bounce back this year?

So, enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and come back soon.

Jaguars, Gabbert squash Blackmon's value

Going into last month's NFL Draft, there was one player I was watching on the first day -- Justin Blackmon.

I have the second pick in my dynasty league draft and Blackmon was my target. I figured Trent Richardson would be gone, so I wanted an impact receiver.

The Jacksonville Jaguars changed my mind.

I think Blackmon still can be that guy, but not immediately on the Jaguars.

The main reason for that is Blaine Gabbert.

I'm not sold on him as a starting quarterback, which means Blackmon's stock falls dramatically, in my book.

I look at Blackmon as a WR3 right now, with long-term upside.  If Blackmon had gone to the Rams, for instance, I think he could be a WR2.

Now, instead of drafting Blackmon, I think I'd rather have Doug Martin.