BEREA: Browns running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery isn’t counting on Duke Johnson to become a starter as a rookie, but he does envision a significant role for the University of Miami’s all-time leading rusher this coming season.
Montgomery is particularly intrigued by Johnson’s versatility and prowess as a receiving threat. Those attributes have led Montgomery to compare Johnson to players from the past -- Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas -- and present -- Cincinnati Bengals standout Giovani Bernard.
“The best way I can describe Duke is what Thurman Thomas was for Buffalo,” Montgomery said Thursday after practice.