Last week I reviewed the quarterbacks who played for the Browns in 2025. This week I will move on to a position with a little more clarity, running back. The 2025 season was the first season without Nick Chubb on the roster since 2017, as the longtime franchise icon signed with the Houston Texans in June of 2025. His absence was felt, as the Browns finished 27th in team rushing yards in the NFL.
Any conversation about running back should start with Quinshon Judkins. The rookie second round pick out of Ohio State finished 3rd amongst rookies in yards, rushing for 827 yards in 14 games. He rushed for over 100 yards once, going for 110 yards against the Vikings in the London game. He also rushed for 3 touchdowns in the blowout win against Miami. Judkins was not much of a factor in the passing game, only catching 26 passes for 171 yards. He could certainly see an uptick in targets if the Browns hire a coach or offensive coordinator who utilizes backs on swing passes and screens.
I think Judkins had a solid rookie season considering the fact that he faced the highest rate of loaded boxes (eight plus defenders in box) per NFL Next Gen Stats. Opposing defenses loaded the box to stop the run against the Browns, as Shedeur Sanders and Dylan Gabriel were unable to stretch defenses vertically. He did suffer a season ending injury in week 16 against the Bills, fracturing his Fibula and dislocating his ankle. Initial projections put him out for four to six months, meaning no OTAs. If his recovery goes well he would be back in time for training camp though.
The backup running back spot was more of a revolving door in 2025. Dylan Sampson, a rookie fourth round pick from Tennessee, rushed 65 times for 175 yards. This was good for only a 2.7 yards per carry average. He received the bulk of the carries in the games Judkins missed, and should have an opportunity to be the top backup in 2026. Undrafted free agent Raheim Sanders rushed for a touchdown in week one, but didn’t see significant time. Jerome Ford had a second straight down season after his career high 2023 campaign. He missed time with injuries and did not score a touchdown. He is a free agent this spring and it is unlikely he is resigned.
I think the Browns will prioritize a faster back in either free agency or the draft this year to compliment Judkins physical running style. On the free agency front, there are some names that would fit that profile. Travis Etienne from the Jaguars and Kenneth Gainwell from the rival Steelers would fit the bill of speedier backs who are also good pass catchers.
I don’t believe the Browns will spend a high pick on a running back, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see them use a mid or late round pick. Virginia’s J’Mari Taylor or Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton could be names to watch. Just like the quarterback situation, some of these decisions will hinge on who the Browns hire as their coach and offensive coordinator.
The post Browns Position Review: Running Backs appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .