Ex Ravens RB Impressing In Browns Training Camp?

Running back Nate McCrary, who spent two separate stints with the Baltimore Ravens, may be gaining some traction at Cleveland Browns training camp

A previously-unknown Baltimore Ravens running back has been attracting some hype for an AFC North rival. 

Nate McCrary, a 24-year-old back who signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2021, is now a depth option for the division-rival Cleveland Browns. While he has an uphill battle to make the roster, some Browns fans believe he may have a niche in the offense.

Dawg Pound Daily, FanSided's Browns site, made the case for McCrary as a short-yardage No. 3 running back. The site argues that McCrary's very fast 10-yard dash time of 1.5 seconds, 0.06 seconds faster than any other Browns back, makes him a viable option for such a role.

Combine data shows KHunt accelerated very fast, maybe that's why he got short yardage carries, but Chubb had max kinetic energy at 40 yards. Ford may replace KH as RB2 @Browns, but McCrary should get a look as short yardage RB3 based on size and burst speed. pic.twitter.com/RJI53OwCne

— The Village Elliot (@ThVillageElliot) July 29, 2023

"What's interesting is that McCrary's kinetic energy score at 10 yards is higher than anyone else's, including Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt," Dawg Pound Daily writes. "That might lead us to think that McCrary might be able to earn a living between the tackles.

"McCrary just really stands out at 10 yards. If these Pro Day numbers are to be believed, McCrary may deserve to get his shot with the Browns."

As Dawg Pound Daily notes, the Browns are seemingly in the market for depth running backs behind Chubb after Hunt's departure this offseason. McCrary is obviously not on the same level as Hunt, a former Pro Bowler who has three seasons with over 800 rushing yards, but if the math is anything to go by, he could provide a budget version of Hunt's skillset.

McCrary took a unique path to the NFL, playing his college football at Division II school Saginaw Valley State. In three collegiate seasons, he rushed 1,889 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging five yards per carry. 

Like many Division II players, McCrary entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He actually had a solid showing with the Ravens in the 2021 preseason, rushing 42 times for 163 yards and a touchdown. However, it wasn't enough to prevent the Ravens from waiving him on Aug. 31, 2021.

The Denver Broncos claimed McCrary the following day, but he only spent a few weeks with the team before being released and coming back to the Ravens' practice squad. He signed a futures contract with the Ravens in January of 2022, but was released again that August. He joined the Carolina Panthers' practice squad in November, and most recently signed a futures contract with the Browns in January.

McCrary still has a long way to go make the Browns' roster, but he may have a chance due to his unique skillset.

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