There’s only one real name to discuss when considering the Cleveland Browns running back for 2024: Nick Chubb.
Ever since he was taken in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb has been among the league’s best running backs. When Head Coach Kevin Stefanski redesigned his offense entering 2023, it was Chubb, not quarterback Deshaun Watson, who the unit orbited around. He looked dominant for the season’s first five quarters.
Then, disaster happened. Chubb took a low hit from Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. That hit caused what initially looked to be a horrific injury. Chubb’s knee bent in ways that no human joint ever should, tearing multiple ligaments in the process. However, the damage was not as extensive as first feared. What looked to be a career-ending injury might only turn out to be a season-ending one. Chubb, who had this injury in college, is on track with his rehab progress. He’s expected to return to the team sometime in 2024, though it’s not exactly clear when. However, he’s already walking with crutches.
Evaluating the Cleveland Browns Running Backs
When it comes to the Cleveland Browns running backs in 2023, there was a big drop-off without Chubb. The team neglected to sign a veteran backup when common sense dictated they should. Instead, they chose to rely on 2022 fifth-round choice Jerome Ford. Ford was green but showed promise in his limited carries until then. They also brought back veteran Kareem Hunt, whom Ford managed to oust entering the season. The two took the lion’s share of the carries for the remainder of the season with mixed results.
Jerome Ford Can Not Be Counted On as RB1
After the vast majority of the season as RB1, Jerome Ford has proven one thing conclusively: The Cleveland Browns running backs room needs to be improved entering 2024. Even if Chubb makes it back, he’ll have to be spelled frequently to preserve his knee. If he takes until midseason, the Browns can not rely on Ford as its lead back.
On the surface, Ford’s stats look pretty good. This is especially true considering that Cleveland lost its top three tackles for an extensive period. Ford rushed for 813 yards on 204 carries. That was good for four yards a carry. He also added 44 catches for 319 yards, a 7.3 average. Interestingly, he scored more touchdowns through the air (five) than on the ground (four).
That’s the problem. Though Ford’s YPC is good, many of those came on boom or bust plays. Ford excels in space. Give him a half a second, and he can juke or shift with the best of them. That’s why he does better as a receiver than as a runner. In traffic, he displays mediocre field vision. Part of a great running game is that it can be counted upon to bring four yards consistently. Though that’s Ford’s average, his vision in traffic means he gets tackled for a one-yard gain as often as anything else.
Cleveland has hired Duce Staley as its new running backs coach for 2024. Staley was a great runner in his day who excelled at running between the tackles. If Ford can add a little bulk and refine his technique, he might become that first down runner. But he’s not today.
Kareem Hunt’s New Role Among Browns Running Backs
Kareem Hunt was not among the Browns running backs when camp started because the team thought he had lost a step. That opinion was fully validated when he was brought back after Chubb’s injury. He finished the season with just three yards a carry, with a long of 16. He also only added 84 yards in the air, despite previously filling the role of Cleveland’s third-down back.
What Cleveland did not count on was Hunt may have found a new role as the thumper in the Browns running backs room. He became the running back who would not be denied in short yardage between the tackles. Hunt converted far more big moments on third or fourth and short than Ford. He also more than doubled Ford’s touchdowns on the ground with nine.
Cleveland used center Nick Harris as an extra fullback in multiple situations. Harris is a free agent, and there’s no guarantee he’ll return. Hunt can become a true fullback for the team. While fullbacks are out of vogue, Cleveland used its heavy set more often than most NFL teams in 2023. With a full season back in the Browns running backs room – and the weight room – Hunt can reinvigorate his career as the team’s fullback.
The Future for Browns Running Backs
Nick Chubb will be back at some point. Hunt may have found a new place on the team. Ford may develop under the tutelage of Staley. In addition, Pierre Strong was underutilized in 2023. Strong had – by far – the highest yards per carry of the team with 4.6. But, no matter what he did, the coaching staff seemed to refuse to keep him on the field. Perhaps with a full offseason and camp with the team, Stefanski will trust him more.
However, there’s a whole lot of “if” coming off that plan. That’s why the Browns need to bring in a veteran back for 2024. Even if it’s a back like Dalvin Cook, who has lost a step, Cleveland needs a back who has much better field vision than Ford and can run outside the tackles, unlike Hunt. They neglected to do that in 2023, but can not afford to make the same mistake in 2024.
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