Dawgs By Nature
Next up on our training camp preview is the running back position. Although the top end of the depth chart didn’t see much change this offseason, there will be a battle on the back end of the depth chart, which could be a player who gets valuable reps when you consider how the Ravens utilized their backs under Todd Monken.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 221 lbs | Age: 22
Experience: 2 years | College: Ohio State
Taken in the second round of last year’s draft, Quinshon Judkins, along with Harold Fannin, were the two bright spots of the Browns’ offense last year. Judkins missed much of training camp last year with his legal issue, and then missed the final two games of the season with an ankle dislocation and fractured fibula.
Everything in between was an admirable rookie season for Judkins, who finished with 230 carries for 827 yards (3.6 YPC) and 7 TD to go along with 26 catches for 171 yards. He found more success in his first four games, averaging 4.82 YPC, as opposed to his final 10 games, when he averaged 3.04 YPC.
With how poor the Browns’ offensive line and receivers were playing, the general sentiment was that the running backs didn’t stand much of a chance, no matter who you put back there. Judkins passed the eye test of a quality starting back, and enough of a worthy successor to Nick Chubb. Judkins isn’t a dynamic receiver, but can do the basics there. However, that also means we’re likely to see a healthy dose of Dylan Sampson in third down situations.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 200 lbs | Age: 21
Experience: 2 years | College: Tennessee
When the Browns drafted two running backs last year, it was a pretty clear signal that the team was “out with the old” (Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford) and “in with the new.” Yes, Ford was on the roster last year as insurance, but he was not retained this offseason. As a rookie, Dylan Sampson really struggled to find running lanes behind Cleveland’s battered offensive line.
He finished with 65 carries for 175 yards (2.7 YPC). As a receiver, he had 33 catches for 271 yards and 2 TD. Considering he had 8 catches for 64 yards in the season opener, I think with a better offense, there is hope he can be a solid receiving threat out of the backfield in a more competent offense.
But there’s also something to be said about his one-dimensional nature, if that doesn’t improve. He, along with Judkins, also struggled in pass protection as rookies. It’ll be interesting to see if that compels Todd Monken to turn to another back when he comes to giving Judkins a breather.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 230 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 2...
