The Browns' quarterbacking situation has drawn plenty of interest in recent weeks. But Cleveland's flagship football franchise has plenty of new faces littered across its roster, namely in the running back room.
Now that rookie Quinson Judkins has signed his contract, Cleveland's running back unit is a youthful collective, shaped by three first-year players and a fourth-year talent who is still attempting to cement himself as a top option. The Browns will need all the support they can get on the ground; after all, a Joe Flacco/Dillon Gabriel/Shedeur Sanders QB triumvirate leaves something to be desired to NFL enthusiasts.
So, what does Cleveland's RB depth chart look like in 2025? Here's what you need to know.
MORE: Where Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel sit in Browns QB depth chart
Browns RB depth chart
| Position | Player Name |
| 1 | Jerome Ford |
| 2 | Dylan Samspon |
| 3 | Quinshon Judkins |
| 4 | Raheim Sanders |
Jerome Ford
Ford figures to take the lion's share of carries for the Browns to start the season. The fourth-year tailback impressed in limited minutes in 2024, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He was one of the few bright lights in Cleveland's offense, finding success in Nick Chubb's absence. Ford isn't your traditional No. 1 RB — he hasn't yielded nearly as many carries as the league's best runners. Nevertheless, he should get a chance to shine in the backfield.
Dylan Sampson
Sampson enjoyed a wondrous career at Tennessee, claiming SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors after tallying nearly 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024. For his efforts, Cleveland selected him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sampson drew praise for his performances throughout training camp and preseason. He is likely to get a decent share of carries as the season wears on.
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Quinshon Judkins
A top-40 pick in this year's draft, the Ohio State rookie looks a real candidate to emerge as Cleveland's starter before the year is done. He's more a bruiser than a home-run hitter, known to use his physicality and patience to gash opposition defenses. That could limit his production in some ways. But he looks more than capable of spearheading the Browns' RB unit in due time. It won't be immediate, though; Judkins is months behind the likes of Ford and Sampson in terms of conditioning.
Raheim Sanders
Sanders rounds out Cleveland's collection of tailbacks. The former Arkansas and South Carolina standout is a bruiser with decent elusiveness. But he's shown a penchant for fumbles and lackluster pass protection in the past – traits that likely will limit his play time in his maiden season with the Browns.
Quinshon Judkins contract details
- Years: Four
- Value: $11.4 million
Judkins inked a four-year, $11.4 million on Sept. 6. The contract is fully-guaranteed, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Browns received a two-week roster exemption upon Judkins' signing, per Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. The waiver will allow him to practice with the team as he attempts to get in game shape. Judkins remains under NFL investigation after being arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and battery in July after allegedly punching a woman with a closed fist. The charges were dropped on Aug. 14.
Judkins is the last player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft to agree terms to a contract.