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

Positional Grade and Evaluation

This could be the last year you see Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and D’Ernest Johnson on the same team. I would wager that two of those names are gone after this year, and the most obvious names are Hunt and Johnson.

And while I’m not advocating it, nor would I support the move, I wouldn’t be surprised if Chubb gets moved in 2023. The Browns could shave nearly $11 million off the cap by trading him after June 1 of next year. If the Browns find themselves in cap hell, it’s not impossible to ponder. Especially with the devaluing of running backs in the NFL as a whole, and the team’s new focus on receivers and passing.

That said, that’s next year’s concern. This year, this is the best runningback group in the NFL. They took a mid-round pick in the draft and he probably won’t play outside of special teams as a rookie. That’s how deep this team is. A fifth-round pick isn’t expected to get carries.

The Browns have a lot to lean on this year. If they end up being without their starting quarterback for a year or two, they can still compete with this crop of talent. Even if I don’t think Hunt is anywhere close to Chubb as a talent (and he isn’t), Hunt can still start for at least 15 NFL teams.

Chubb could start for 32, however.

That said, Hunt is arguably the best “second back” in the NFL. I don’t think there’s a better alternative on a team than Hunt. There just happens to be a significant drop-off between Chubb and Hunt. That’s usually the case for every NFL team, so it’s not some shock to say that but some fans really think Hunt is as good as Chubb. That’s a lie.

This team has talent, depth, and a history of getting the most out of the position.

Grade: A+