5 players the Browns can select in the 2023 NFL Draft to replace Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt was an excellent change of pace back for the Cleveland Browns but it was clear he was trending in the wrong direction as the 2022 season went along. That's why it's no surprise at all that Cleveland is reportedly not interested in bringing him back despite his long stay on the open market.

Right now, they're banking on Jerome Ford as the No. 2 running back behind Nick Chubb but with just eight career rushing attempts, it's likely they add another player in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. With that being the case, here are five players that would make sense to bring in.

Browns replacement RB No. 5: Israel Abanikanda, Pitt

Israel Abanikanda is a prospect that seems to be getting slept on. He was decent in 2021 as a rotational back with 651 yards and seven touchdowns but then went off in his final season with Pitt.

That year, Abanikanda ran for 1,431 yards with 20 touchdowns while averaging 6.0 yards per rush. He didn't test at the Combine but then went to his Pro Day and put up some insane numbers. Not only did he run a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash but he also would have had the best vertical jump (41 inches) and broad jump (10 feet and 8 inches) of any running back at the Combine.

As good as the numbers at his Pro Day were, it's the production that stands out. In nine of his 11 games from 2022 Abanikanda topped 100 yards rushing. He's a former sprinter that can take off in the open field and would be able to contribute right away should Cleveland decide to add him to their stable of backs.

Browns replacement RB No. 4: Deuce Vaughn, Kansas

Deuce Vaughn has "change of pace back" written all over him. At just 5-foot-5 and 179 pounds, Vaughn is well below the standard size for an NFL running back. Even so, it's hard to look past the insane production he had while at Kansas State.

Vaughn recorded 3,604 yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground in just three seasons and added 116 receptions for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns.

He also headed to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and blew people away with his footwork. He didn't run the coveted 40-yard dash but it was easy to see how lightning-fast he can move.

If Cleveland were to bring him in, it would be likely that he would see more time in passing situations than as a traditional running back — at least early on in his career. That wouldn't be a bad plan at all and he showed as a freshman how dangerous he can be when he averaged 17.4 yards per reception.

With that being said, he's still more than capable of running between the tackles and even has shown a willingness to deliver a hit while blocking — as shown by Mike Renner of PFF. Vaughn is an intriguing prospect who would be well worth rolling the dice on, especially if he slides into the later rounds.

Browns replacement RB No. 3: Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina

Another smaller back at 5-foot-8 and 179 pounds, Keaton Mitchell of East Carolina turned a lot of heads over the past two seasons. He ran for 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021 followed by a junior campaign that saw him rush for 1,452 yards with 14 more touchdowns.

He's also able to impact the game as a receiver, pulling in 60 receptions for 580 yards with three touchdowns in three seasons. Those numbers are nothing to scoff at but he has the potential to do even more in this area — although he will need to clean up his issue with drops.

Mitchell was another player who stood out at the draft as he put up some impressive numbers including a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash while hitting 38 inches on the vertcal jump and 10 feet and 6 inches in the broad jump.

The one issue with Mitchell seems to be a lack of dominance as an inside runner. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says any team that adds him is going to need to "have a plan." He does add that he's electric when he gets the ball, which could make him worth the selection.

"Teams will need to have a plan for him, but he’s electric with the ball in his hands. His big-play potential could be hard to pass up for teams needing more juice."

Zierlein, NFL.com

Adding Mitchell would mean Jerome Ford would take over as the starter if Nick Chubb were injured but he would still be a dangerous change of pace option.

Browns replacement RB No. 2: Tyjae Spears, Tulane

A breakout player in 2022, Tyjae Spears ripped off 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns in his final season with Tulane. While that was his most productive campaign, he did still average nearly seven yards per carry for his entire four-year collegiate career.

He was also an effective pass catcher, hauling in 48 receptions for 564 yards with three touchdowns — which was an average of 11.8 yards per catch. But as we saw at the Reese's Senior Bowl, his talent as a route runner is much greater than what he displayed at Tulane.

Spears went toe-to-toe with some of the top linebacker prospects and made them look foolish with some of the cuts he made while running the receiving drills.

At 5-foot-10 and 201 pounds, Spears isn't the largest running back but he's shown he can take a hit — and can dish them out as well. He's not exactly a home run hitter but when he gets a full head of steam, he's hard to bring down.

Of all the prospects in this class, Spears might have the most similar skillset to Kareem Hunt. His fearless running style, quick cuts, and the ability to break tackles are reminiscent of Hunt as is his skill in the passing game.

The one question would come down to when he comes off the board. If he's there early in the fourth, Cleveland might consider making the move.

Browns replacement RB No. 1: Roschon Johnson, Texas

It's not often that a career backup in college is seen as a potential threat in the NFL but that's the case with Roschon Johnson.

He spent the majority of his career behind Bijan Robinson which meant he was often overshadowed throughout his tenure with the Longhorns. However, he was always able to shine when given an opportunity, beginning with a 649 yards and seven-touchdown campaign as a freshman in 2019.

From there, he continued to put up impressive numbers, finishing with 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns. Most impressive though was his 6.0 yards per carry average as a senior.

Since his time with Texas came to an end, Johnson has been starting to get the attention he deserves. NFL scouts are reportedly very high on him and some believe he can wind up as a starter in the league.

For Cleveland, he would be a perfect RB2 behind Nick Chubb. While he's not as fast as Chubb (Johnson ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine) he's arguably the best power back that the Browns would have a shot at in the middle rounds.

Johnson went to Indianapolis and measured 6-foot-0 and 219 pounds. A very physical and consistent back, he also has just one fumble in 392 career rushing attempts.