Predicting the Cleveland Browns 2020 Depth Chart: Running Back

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 13: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Browns are certainly loaded at the running back position, but luckily there is still no doubt who the workhorse will be, and that is Chubb. The second-round pick in 2018 took the starting job midway through his rookie year and has never looked back. After 996 yards as a rookie, while splitting carries at the beginning of the year, Chubb ran for 1,494 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019. The yardage was second-best in the NFL last season.

There is no doubt Chubb is a tremendous back, but there is also no denying it takes a strong offensive line for any running back to be successful. While the interior offensive line was strong for the Browns last season, both starting tackles were well below-average starters in the NFL. So as impressive as Chubb was last season, look out for even bigger things in 2020 with a retooled front line.

Because Chubb was a second-round pick, he will not have a fifth-year option, meaning there will only be one year remaining on his contract after 2020. While Chubb is beloved by all Browns fans, there is a growing consensus he won’t be worth the huge dollars offered by other teams in free agency.

Currently, there are too many capable backs and far too many risks of injuries to pay a market rate for Chubb. While fans will be devastated if/when he leaves, it will have been a great ride along the way. Look for Chubb and the upgraded offensive line to compete once again for a rushing title in 2020.

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