Cleveland Browns: Final 53-man roster prediction

Running Back (5): Carlos Hyde, Duke Johnson, Nick Chubb, Matthew Dayes, Dan Vitale

The starting running back job is Carlos Hyde’s. The veteran was given a hefty contract in the offseason and the fact that he didn’t play much in the preseason shows how the team values him. He’s a hard-nosed runner that can keep the chains moving — and he’s not bad in the passing game either.

He likely will split carries with rookie Nick Chubb though. Chubb started out the preseason slow, but really took off after that and put together three solid outings for Cleveland. He could be the featured back pretty soon for this team and that’s not a bad thing at all.

Duke Johnson is the third-down back and change of pace runner. His explosiveness is much more noticeable than any other back on this team and he’s also a stud catching the ball. He can line up in the slot, as a second back with either Chubb or Hyde and will be a weapon no matter what. He will find ways to see the field and will make some “wow” plays this season.

A fourth running back makes the team in this prediction as Matthew Dayes really played well in the preseason. He had his best game in Week 4 and can not only help in the ground game but also has some potential as a returner. We mentioned Jeff Janis not making the team at receiver and that has more to do with Dayes’ ability as a return man and gunner.

Fullback Dan Vitale may not get a lot of action, but he’s here to do the thankless job of a lead blocker.