Ranking and grading every ball carrier on the Cleveland Browns ahead of training camp

We’re continuing with the preseason evaluation of the Cleveland Browns roster with the ball carriers.

With camp right around the corner, we’re taking time to break down each position on the Cleveland Browns positions. We’ve already covered the receivers and tight ends, and now we’re going to be covering the ball carriers, then in other posts, we’ll talk about the quarterbacks and then the offensive linemen. After that, we’ll handle the defense.

We’re referring to the running backs and fullbacks as the catch-all term “ball carrier” as I feel it’s more accurate to the skillset and includes both positions. We’re not referring to them as just “backs” as that would seemingly include the quarterbacks, so the term “ball carrier” seemingly removes the quarterbacks from the positional inclusion.

Now, the Browns may have the best backfield in the game, but now also have one of the worst schemes for them to succeed. The Browns are not going to run the ball nearly as much in 2022 as they did in 2021. We know this because they got rid of Pro Bowl talents Andy Janovich, Austin Hooper, and J.C.  Tretter. They’ve also brought in more receivers and are re-tooling their scheme to be a pass-first team.

Due to all of this, the team is clearly repositioning itself for a pass-happy offense, which means that this running back corp may only be together for one more season as it transitions into a new era. They’ll still get reps, and they’ll still do their thing, sure, but if you’re expecting the squad to be in the Top 5 this year in total rushing yards, I would recommend not putting money down on that.

They’ll still be effective, just don’t expect the same volume.

Each player will get a letter grade and here is how they break down;

• F – expected to be out of the league before the end of his rookie contract
• D – practice squad guy
• C – could get minutes as a backup
• B – starter
• A – among the league’s best