Three RB options for Browns in NFL Draft

The Browns need to add a running back behind Nick Chubb as Jerome Ford, who had just eight rushes for 12 yards in 2022, is the current backup. Here are three players the team could be eyeing in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cleveland doesn't have a first or second-round pick in this year's draft, but it does have eight overall selections.

If the team wants to go running back with its first pick at No. 74, Texas A&M RB Devon Achane may still be available. Achane ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 71 overall prospect on its big board after posting 2,469 yards and 21 touchdowns from 2021-22.

"Achane has burners, quicks and contact balance — a rare combination," PFF writes.

If the Browns don't feel running back is their biggest need, they may address the position with their second third-round pick. Tulane RB Tyjae Spears, who ranks as PFF's No. 99 overall prospect, could be the pick at No. 98.

"Spears is a space player with big-time home-run potential. He’s a headache for linebackers in the open field," PFF writes. That's certainly what he was in 2022, totaling 1,837 yards and 21 touchdowns.

However, with a lack of high draft picks, Cleveland may wait until day three to go running back. If that's the case, Texas RB Roschon Johnson, who ranks as PFF's No. 126 overall prospect, may be the selection at pick No. 126.

Johnson may be one of the more underrated players in this year's draft after playing behind the best running back in the country (Bijan Robinson). 

"When called upon he was nearly as difficult to bring down as Bijan. He broke 46 tackles on 94 carries in 2022," PFF writes.

All three of these running backs could become great compliments to Chubb in the Browns' run game, and most importantly, can help his career in the NFL last longer.