The Browns are in need of another back this year
The Cleveland Browns have lived and died with the run game. Or, at least they did. Recently, not so much. Starter Nick Chubb destroyed his knee in 2023 and since then the rushing attack has fallen off. Will the offense once again become a running juggernaut? Or will the passing game become their focus?
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In any regard, every team must be able to run the football. And to do this, you need a capable back. Will Chubb return in 2025? If so, will he pick up where he left off, or be a symbolic signing but receive minimal snaps?
The Browns will need to draft a running back this year if they don’t dip into free agency. D’Onta Foreman won’t be back, and that may be Chubb’s fate as well. Jerome Ford is serviceable, but not a home run threat. Pierre Strong is a capable RB3 and Nyheim Hines hasn’t seen the field yet.
At the Reese’s Senior Bowl, there are several capable bodies. DBN’s Barry Shuck interviewed two possible running backs for the Browns to consider:
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
RB Jarquez Hunter – Auburn
5’-10”, 209 pounds
4.44 40 time
Projected round: 4
Q: What will NFL teams immediately notice about your playing skills?
A: Versatility. A guy who can come in, run hard, catch passes, and be a good blocker when called to stay in the pocket. They know I can run the ball, but you have to show your catching ability. I can play offense 100 miles an hour and then line up on special teams and at the same time be a leader.
Q: NFL teams put a lot of time and money into scouting players. How would their money be well-spent on you?
A: Just staying at the hard work part. You can always get better every day and you can go out and translate that to the NFL. It’s the little things. Spend the time in the weight room is another key.
Q: How did you find out about your invite to the Senior Bowl?
A: Right after one practice I got my invitation. Once practice wrapped up, my coach handed me the invite in the meeting room. I couldn’t believe it. It was a dream come true and exciting. I‘ve always wanted to go to the Senior Bowl. I’ve been watching the game on TV for a long time. I spoke with my family about it and they were all excited about the opportunity.
Q: After you score your first NFL touchdown, have you prepared a special dance celebration?
A: I don’t really celebrate. I can’t dance. I just basically give praise through my actions and honor God and give him thanks. Then I am just going to run back to the sidelines.
Q: Is it important for you to start your rookie season?
A: I wouldn’t say it is a necessity. I had to wait my turn at Auburn and be patient. But every time I got my chance – I had to make it my best. I did not take any chance for granted and let nobody take my opportunity away from me. Then as guys left, they relied more on me and I came through for my team.
Q: What did you learn the most about yourself playing college football?
A: Staying loyal. Loyalty to my team. I had different coaches and had relationships with the other coaches. But I stayed the curse. And I was loyal to my team and feel like I gave my team everything I got when I got out there and it didn’t matter if it was this coach or that coach. I’m going to play hard for whoever is coaching.
Q: How is the week’s experience playing in the Senior Bowl?
A: It’s a great experience. Going through college I have seen some of my teammates invited and be able to play here. They had success in the NFL and I feel it is a great opportunity for others to see what I can do that may not have seen me play much.
Q: How would you describe your running style?
A: I’m a north-south runner. I have good hands coming out of the backfield and don’t have any issues staying in the pocket and blocking on passing downs if that is what I am needed to do. I can outrun defenders in the open field and when I get to the second level, I can cause problems.
Q: Who are some of your favorite NFL players?
A: I watch and study Saquon Barkley. I definitely try to model my game after him a little bit.
Photo by Andrew Wevers/UCF Athletics/Getty Images
RB R.J. Harvey – UCF
5’-9”, 208 pounds
4.41 40 time
Projected round: 3
Q: What do you offer an NFL team?
A: Versatility. I can run the ball, pass the ball, catch passes coming out of the backfield and am a good pass protector. I can play special teams and do anything possible to help my team win.
Q: You were a dual-threat QB at Edgewater High School and accepted a college scholarship for quarterback. Why did you switch to running back?
A: It was a tough transition. I had played quarterback all my life. Thankfully I had great running backs in our room to teach me things. I put in a lot of work and it got me to where I am today.
Q: You became the first UCF player to run for over 1,000 yards in a season since 2018 with 1,416 yards and then you topped that running for 1,577 yards this year. Do you see yourself being the main RB for a team at the next level?
A: I feel like it definitely does. I got a lot of experience and come game time I am a fierce competitor. I really want to win – that is the main thing I want to win.
Q: As a senior, you were named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award. Where were you when you heard you were in the running for the award?
A: I was nominated two years in a row. This time I saw it on Instagram. That is how I found out. The UCF football players posted i.
Q: How would you describe your blocking skills?
A: I am a willing pass protector. I definitely need to improve on it, but will work harder than anyone to get this right and be dependable when asked to remain in to block.
Q: In college, you caught a lot of balls. Are your receiving skills an asset to your game?
A: You have to be able to slip out to the side when the pass rush is bad and make yourself available to your quarterback. That means you have to be a good receiver. I am a good receiver and I pay attention to what is going on with the pocket. I have great hands and like to catch passes. A lot of times it allows you to bypass the big men up front so all you have to deal with is the linebackers and secondary.
Q: You have an expression “Play every down like it’s your last.” What is that message to teammates?
A: It has several meanings because we aren’t going to play this game forever, but mainly it means to play hard and leave everything you have every game on the field. Do your best, and make your time count.
Q: What are your strengths at RB?
A: I am a determined runner. I have a goal when I touch the ball and that is to find the right hole along the line and squeeze through it. Then run like you it is the last time you will ever run the ball again.
Q: How do you prepare mentally and physically for a big game?
A: You have to know that when your play is called to be ready. That begins in the weight room and what you eat and how much you get your body ready to play this game.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about playing at this level?
A: I want to compete against the best. The NFL will provide me with exactly that.