Browns 2023 Training Camp Preview: Running Backs

Training camp is only a week away, and it's a perfect time to take a closer look at the Cleveland Browns position groups. This time we're diving into Cleveland's running back room as it currently stands.

It's safe to say that the Browns know which running back they plan to feature this season, so this year's camp will be focused more on the depth behind Nick Chubb.

Cleveland enters this year's training camp with one of the best pure runners in the league. Nick Chubb has undoubtedly been the work horse back for this team over the past four years, and that'll continue to be the case going forward. His vision, strength, and burst is what allows him to be so effective in Cleveland's zone-heavy run scheme.

The Browns have had a nice "1-2 punch" combination of Chubb and Kareem Hunt for the past few seasons, but Hunt noticeably lost a step as of late. He didn't seem to be as explosive with the ball in his hands and struggled with vision in 2022. Cleveland ultimately chose to let him leave in free agency because of his drop-off and their financial plans going forward. The team felt that they could allocate that money elsewhere to fill other holes on the roster. They've also shown signs of comfortability with Jerome Ford, their 5th round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

Ford has shown some promise in the limited amount of time that he's been on the field. He made some nice plays in last year's preseason games as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield, and was a bright spot as a kick returner in the regular season. As of right now, Ford looks like the favorite to backup Chubb heading into week one. The top options to battle for the third spot are likely Demetric Felton Jr. and Hassan Hall. Felton has been rotating between receiver and running back so far throughout his time in Cleveland, and Hall is an undrafted rookie free agent from Georgia Tech. They both have unique skillsets and bring different play styles to the backend of the position room. 

Acquisitions:

Hassan Hall (UDFA)

Departures:

Kareem Hunt (Free Agency), D'Ernest Johnson (Free Agency)

Returnees:

Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, Demetric Felton, John Kelly Jr., Nate McCrary

Projected Week 1 Depth Chart:

1. Nick Chubb

2. Jerome Ford

3. Demetric Felton

Camp battle to watch:

Demetric Felton vs. Hassan Hall for the third running back spot. This is going to be an interesting competition to keep an eye on during camp. Felton has the initial advantage of being on the team longer, and most likely the best pass-catcher of the two. Despite Felton technically having the leg up going into camp, Hassan Hall is the better pure runner. He has shown the ability to maintain a low center of gravity and drive through contact, which is the type of thing that Felton is currently lacking. 

Both of these players have enough overall talent to make the 53-man roster, it could just depend on if Cleveland wants more of a pass-catcher or traditional, hard nosed runner as RB3. 

It's important to note though, if the team decides to sign another running back before camp, then this camp battle will involve three players. Felton and Hall vs. that free agent.

Biggest question marks heading into camp:

Will Cleveland add another running back before week 1?

They could, but it might depend on the status of the position room following training camp. There's still a decent amount of serviceable veterans out there in free agency, so it could definitely happen if the coaching staff is hesitant about the depth here.

Some of the free agent running backs to keep an eye on for Cleveland are Justin Jackson, Darrel Williams, and Marlon Mack. All of these players should be fairly inexpensive, and fit the style of ball carrier that could be intriguing for the Browns.

Will there be a drop in running back usage in 2023?

The team is most likely going to throw the ball a lot more in 2023, so the run game will definitely see some changes going forward. Yes, the overall rush attempts per game might go down but overall rushing efficiency might improve.

Some of the things that Cleveland wants to do offensively this season in terms of its passing game will help facilitate a more explosive run game as well. When an offense can successfully stretch the field horizontally, it widens run lanes by forcing defenders to clear out of the box depending on their assignment. 

The running backs might get less carries going forward but their yards per carry could increase, which is condusive to a more efficient ground game in the long run (No pun intended).

How many running backs will Cleveland keep on the active roster in 2023?

Three makes the most amount of sense for the 2023 season as opposed to four, which has been the norm in recent years. There's no reason to keep a fourth player rostered here when they could use that extra spot for another defensive lineman.