The Cleveland Browns made an unnecessary gamble with their running backs coming into a must-win season in 2023. The Browns RB depth chart has been unnecessarily thin in recent months. The chickens have now come home to roost, as key reserve Jerome Ford went down with a hamstring injury yesterday.
This leaves the Browns RBs room with all-world back Nick Chubb and… a few other guys. If only someone had called attention to this situation at some point, the Browns wouldn’t be scrambling to add another back two weeks into camp.
But they are. So let’s help them out, shall we?
Five Potential New Browns RBs
The opening in the Browns RBs room was created when the powers that be in Cleveland opted not to resign Kareem Hunt in the offseason. Hunt had the talent to replace Chubb as a runner and acted as Cleveland’s primary pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Although the Browns have retailored their offense to match Deshaun Watson’s talents, it’s unlikely that the roles of the backs will change significantly. In last Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game, the Browns’ leading receiver in receptions was RB John Kelly. Therefore, it can be assumed that catching passes out of the backfield will be at least as important as running ability for a new Browns RB.
Darrell Henderson Jr.
Though the NFL free agent ranks are currently overstuffed with talented big-name RBs, the Browns have shown the most interest in Darrell Henderson Jr., who visited the team back in May. The Los Angeles Rams abruptly waived Henderson last December, claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and then dropped again. His production has been solid, though, with a 4.4 YPC average in his four-year career. More importantly, he has 92 targets in four seasons with 66 receptions for 474 yards and four scores.
Dalvin Cook
Any discussion about adding a new back, including the Browns RBs room, has to include Dalvin Cook, the most talented and productive of the available free agents. Released in June by the Minnesota Vikings, Cook has taken his time in looking for a new landing spot. It seems as if he’s looking for a place where he can still be the three-down back he was with the Vikings. At this point, those landing spots are few and far between, and the Browns are not one of them. However, the Browns are currently $14 million under the salary cap if money is a consideration. Cook is also said to be looking for his best opportunity to win a ring. If he wants time on the field, money, and a ring… two out of three ain’t bad?
J.D. McKissic
Another option linked to the Browns is former Falcon, Seahawk, Lion, and most recently Commander RB J.D. McKissic. McKissic was one of the top pass catchers in the league in 2020 with 80 receptions in DC. However, McKissic has been oft-injured since. He missed the entire back half of 2022 with a neck injury.
Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette is an intriguing name for the Browns RBs room. His skills as a runner have fallen off, as he’s barely been able to maintain a 4.0 YPC over the last few years. However, his pass-catching skills are undeniable. He snagged 142 receptions over the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Fournette comes with some baggage. He’s easily frustrated when he’s not the center of attention, and he certainly wouldn’t be behind Chubb. He also freaked some NFL scouts out when he reported to camp way above his normal playing weight last year.
Ezekiel Elliott
Many in Ohio would love to see former Ohio State star Ezekiel Elliott taking snaps as a Cleveland Brown. However, of those on this list, he’s probably the one who fits the least. Elliott has clearly lost a step in recent years, much like Hunt. He caught only 17 passes for 92 yards last season and saw his YPC average dip below 4.0 for the first time in his career. His longest carry was also only 27 yards, another career low. However, if the Browns could use more of a power back, Elliott did punch in 12 touchdowns last season.
In a win-now situation, the Browns RB depth chart has been bungled. Fortunately, they have options. It remains to be seen which one they will choose.
Main Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
