by With Nick Chubb most likely starting the season on the PUP list and the return of Kareem Hunt seemingly completely off the table, the Cleveland Browns will have a shakeup to their running backs room to start the 2024 season. The smart money is on Jerome Ford getting the first crack at lead back as camp begins, but he will have some fierce competition nipping at his hills. Let’s break down what the top 4 contenders will be bringing to the table as camp is set to heat up.
Jerome Ford
Years in the league – 2
His history – Ford played in all 17 regular season games last year, starting 12 of them for the Cleveland Browns. He showed flashes of that dynamic speed he is known for as he racked up 813 yards on the ground and another 319 in the air with 9 total touchdowns. He had a touchdown run of 69 yards and a receiving touchdown of 50 yards. Both showing his breakaway speed in the open field.
Chances to start – Excellent, he will be given every chance to succeed as Andrew Barry really wants his 2022 NFL Draft Pick to succeed. Ford needs to stay healthy and keep the ball off the ground, if does both, he should be RB1, week one.
D’Onta Foreman
Years in the league – 8
His history – He has been on 7 teams in 8 years which is never a good sign for anyone. The positive note on this is that on a dreadful 2022 Carolina Panther team, he rushed for 914 yards on 203 carries in 17 games. The fact that he went for nearly 1,000 yards on a team that had to play from behind nearly the entire season speaks volumes of his potential. He showed major signs of regression last year as he only started 5 games and had 381 yards on the ground.
Chances to start – Slim, if he couldn’t make a dent last year with the Bears after being given the chance to shine, I cannot see him unseating Ford or even Chubb for touches. Considering the fact that Hines can play special teams, I do not feel as though Foreman will make it a full season with the Browns and may be cut midway through when Chubb returns.
Nyheim Hines
Years in the league – 6
His history – This was sneaky good pickup for the Cleveland Browns that didn’t receive the attention it deserves. Hines is a dual threat as he can catch balls out of the backfield but can also shine as kick and punt returner. He has returned 4 kicks for touchdowns in his career and has twice averaged over 20 yards per return for an entire season.
Hines has all the tools of someone who can be a breakout star in this league if used the right way. If he can prove to once again be a threat in special teams, he should see multiple seasons in the Browns backfield.
Chances to make the team – Strong! As I said, I see him eventually surpassing Foreman before camp is done.
John Kelly Jr.
Years in the league – 7
His history – Kelly Jr has never been “the guy” and probably never will. He is the definition of “Pre-Season All Star” along with DTR. The fact is, however, he is only an injury and a surprise cut away from making the opening day roster.
Chances of making the roster at some point in the season – I see him headed for the practice squad out of camp, but at the same time, I think the Browns find a way to eventually give him a shot to play in meaningful games.
So, with that being said, how do I predict the opening day RB Depth chart to look?
Ford RB1
Hynes RB2
Foreman RB 3
Chubb PUP
Kelly Jr Practice Squad
