There’s no doubting Richardson’s talent. Nor is there any doubt he will receive a lot of work. The Browns don’t have a backup who is capable of seriously challenging Richardson for carries. Brandon Jackson could see time on passing downs, and Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya could spell Richardson on occasion, but the defending Doak Walker Award winner will be very, very busy this season.

Of course, Richardson will face a lot of defenses stacking the line of scrimmage. He undoubtedly could struggle to find a lot of running room at times. Other times, though, he will shine, displaying the power, athleticism and natural run skills that made him a collegiate standout.

His addition surely will bolster a Browns offense that has added a good deal of young talent in the past two seasons. Sure, the Cleveland attack will have moments where its inexperience shows, but it also looks to be more capable of putting a defense on its heels than at any other point since 2008, when WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. were in the fold.

Running backs can be fantasy difference makers in otherwise weak offenses. Two seasons ago, then-Browns RB Peyton Hillis emerged as a fantasy star, racking up a combined 1,654 rushing-receiving yards and 13 TDs on 331 touches.

Richardson is a more talented player than Hillis, and the Browns’ offense, on paper, looks to be more skilled than the 2010 attack. Moreover, Richardson figures to get a similar number of touches to Hillis, who’s now with the Chiefs.

No, the Browns’ offense won’t rank among the NFL’s best, but Richardson is a solid first-round pick who could be a gem even if Cleveland sputters.