The Cleveland Browns face a challenge finding a replacement for Nick Chubb and are likely to target running backs in the NFL Draft. This article explores potential draft targets like Devin Neal, Raheim Sanders, and Ollie Gordon, highlighting their strengths and potential impact on the Browns.
The Cleveland Browns are facing the need to find a replacement for Nick Chubb this offseason, and it seems highly probable that they will accomplish this through the NFL Draft. The Browns are not blessed with a substantial amount of cap space heading into free agency, so they are unlikely to allocate their limited resources to a running back .
Fortunately, this draft class boasts a considerable depth at the halfback position, enabling Cleveland to secure a dynamic backfield threat on either Day 2 or Day 3. There are numerous compelling aspects to Devin Neal. Neal spent four seasons at Kansas, accumulating over 1,000 yards in each of his last three years with the Jayhawks. Most recently, he racked up 1,266 yards and 16 touchdowns while maintaining an impressive 5.8 yards per carry average in 2024. The 21-year-old has also demonstrated his ability as a receiver out of the backfield, totaling 77 receptions throughout his time at Kansas. While Neal may not reach the heights of Ashton Jeanty or Kaleb Johnson, he presents a highly attractive option for the Browns in the third or fourth round.Raheim Sanders offers a different story. He was once regarded as one of the nation's most explosive running backs at Arkansas, but a shoulder injury significantly hampered him during his final year with the Razorbacks in 2023. In 2022, he recorded 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a robust 6.5 yards per attempt. Sanders transferred to South Carolina for the 2024 campaign and experienced a partial rebound, rushing for 881 yards and 11 scores at a 4.8 yards per carry clip. He also contributed 27 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver. The Rockledge, Florida native might have been a first or second-round prospect had it not been for his injury-plagued junior season. If Cleveland manages to secure him in the third or fourth round, it could prove to be a monumental steal. Ollie Gordon, once a potential top halfback in the nation, led the country in rushing yards with 1,732 in 2023 and paced the Big 12 with 21 rushing touchdowns. He also showcased his receiving skills with 39 receptions for 330 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound star took a notable step back this past year, finishing with 880 yards and 13 touchdowns at a 4.8 yards per carry average, but he remained a formidable force. Similar to Sanders, Gordon likely would have been a first-round pick this April had he maintained his production from the previous year
NFL Draft Running Back Cleveland Browns Nick Chubb Devin Neal Raheim Sanders Ollie Gordon
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