3 running backs who should have caught the Browns attention at NFL Combine

Nick Chubb should be on the Cleveland Browns roster in 2024. General manager Andrew Berry has said he wants him back and while the front office would like to lower his cap hit, it seems incredibly unlikely the two sides won't find common ground.

That doesn't mean Cleveland shouldn't add a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Chubb, who tore his ACL and MCL, might not be ready to go by Week 1. Even when he does return, there has to be some concern that it might take a while for him to be the player we remember. Considering the struggles Jerome Ford had in his place, adding a rookie to help navigate this is a necessity.

Before the NFL Scouting Combine kicked off, the Browns likely had a few running backs on their radar. Now after watching the incoming class put their athleticism on display, these three should definitely be on the short list of potential selections for Cleveland.

3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Even before the combine, Braelon Allen should have been on the Browns' wishlist. Allen is a bulldozer who ran for 3,494 yards in three seasons with the Badgers and has youth on his side. Allen comes into the draft at just 20 years of age, and won't turn 21 until January.

He's also a massive human being, heading into the combine at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. Despite his size, he moved well on Saturday, proving he's more than just a big back who will be hard to tackle.

Allen would be a great fit on this roster due to his strength and consistency as a runner. His age is another bonus since he could be a weapon for them for many years to come.

2. Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

For four seasons, Isaac Guerendo hardly saw the field for the Wisconsin Badgers. He finished his career with them by running for just 582 yards and six touchdowns. He then transferred to Louisville where he finally got a chance to show what he could do.

With the Cardinals, he had 810 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 132 rushing attempts. He was also solid as a receiver, hauling in 22 receptions for 234 yards — giving him 1,044 yards on 154 touches, which is an average of 6.8 yards per touch.

Even with the solid campaign, he's been a forgotten man. Players such as Trey Benson, Blake Corum, and Bucky Irving have gotten the attention. But on Saturday, Guerendo made a statement with his drills. He finished as the top running back in the class with a 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash. That gets all the attention but he did well in his other drills as well — including hitting a 41.5-inch vertical leap.

He was first in the vertical jump as well and came in second in the broad jump at 10 feet 9 inches, just three inches behind Jaylen Wright.

Guerendo was a former track star, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he tested well. For a team such as the Browns, they have to believe he can find a way to put that talent to use on the field. They also have to feel comfortable with his age, since Guerendo will be 24 in June.

He won't be a long-term answer but Guerendo could be a late-round pick who is capable of playing in a committee.

1. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

This running back class might not have a lot of big names but several players could wind up being successful pros. One such prospect is Jaylen Wright from Tennessee, who continues to see his stock rise. It could now be at an all-time high following his performance this weekend.

The Tennessee product posted a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash which was first at the position. His 1.55 in the 10-yard split didn't put him at the top but it was still just 0.04 away from first. He was fourth in the vertical jump at 38 inches and finished first with an impressive broad jump of 11-foot-2.

Wright spent three seasons at Tennessee and saw his numbers increase each year. He had just 409 yards as a freshman and then went for 875 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore. He did this on 146 receptions but then with nine fewer attempts in 2023, Wright ended up with 1,013 yards.

There are concerns, which include some bouts with indecision as well as ball security. If the Browns believe they can help him clean up those concerns, he would be worth a selection early on Day 3.

More Browns coverage