Next up on our training camp preview is the running back position. Although the top end of the depth chart didn’t see much change this offseason, there will be a battle on the back end of the depth chart, which could be a player who gets valuable reps when you consider how the Ravens utilized their backs under Todd Monken.
1. Quinshon Judkins – Starting RB
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 221 lbs | Age: 22
Experience: 2 years | College: Ohio State
Taken in the second round of last year’s draft, Quinshon Judkins, along with Harold Fannin, were
the two bright spots of the Browns’ offense last year. Judkins missed much of training camp last year with his legal issue, and then missed the final two games of the season with an ankle dislocation and fractured fibula.
Everything in between was an admirable rookie season for Judkins, who finished with 230 carries for 827 yards (3.6 YPC) and 7 TD to go along with 26 catches for 171 yards. He found more success in his first four games, averaging 4.82 YPC, as opposed to his final 10 games, when he averaged 3.04 YPC.
With how poor the Browns’ offensive line and receivers were playing, the general sentiment was that the running backs didn’t stand much of a chance, no matter who you put back there. Judkins passed the eye test of a quality starting back, and enough of a worthy successor to Nick Chubb. Judkins isn’t a dynamic receiver, but can do the basics there. However, that also means we’re likely to see a healthy dose of Dylan Sampson in third down situations.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
2. Dylan Sampson – Third Down RB
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 200 lbs | Age: 21
Experience: 2 years | College: Tennessee
When the Browns drafted two running backs last year, it was a pretty clear signal that the team was “out with the old” (Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford) and “in with the new.” Yes, Ford was on the roster last year as insurance, but he was not retained this offseason. As a rookie, Dylan Sampson really struggled to find running lanes behind Cleveland’s battered offensive line.
He finished with 65 carries for 175 yards (2.7 YPC). As a receiver, he had 33 catches for 271 yards and 2 TD. Considering he had 8 catches for 64 yards in the season opener, I think with a better offense, there is hope he can be a solid receiving threat out of the backfield in a more competent offense.
But there’s also something to be said about his one-dimensional nature, if that doesn’t improve. He, along with Judkins, also struggled in pass protection as rookies. It’ll be interesting to see if that compels Todd Monken to turn to another back when he comes to giving Judkins a breather.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
3. Raheim Sanders – Backup RB
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 230 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 2 years | College: South Carolina
Andrew Berry acquired Raheim “Rocket” Sanders off waivers after final roster cuts last season from the Chargers.
Sanders immediately got the call as a short yardage back in Week 1, having 3 carries for 3 yards and 1 TD. Then, with Judkins returning, Sanders was inactive or did not play until the final three games of the year. For the season, he had 27 carries for 92 yards (3.4 YPC) and 1 TD to go along with 3 catches for 21 yards.
Here is an example of one of Sanders’ blitz pickups during that final stretch of games. It put some positive things on tape, and I thought he showed some encouraging things to indicate he can contribute on gameday. Then, it comes down to a strategic coaching decision, since he offers a similar style to Judkins, but you may want that contrasting nature between Judkins and Sampson.
Final Roster Odds: 80%
4. Ahmani Marshall – Backup RB
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 1 year | College: Appalachian State
Ahmani Marshall was the Browns undrafted free agent back last year, and he had a solid showing in preseason and training camp, running 24 times for 88 yards (3.7 YPC) and 1 TD to go along with 4 catches for 20 yards.
Despite that, he was essentially a redshirt as a rookie. When the team knew they would be without Judkins, Sampson, or Ford at times, they instead turned to the likes of Sanders or Treveyon Henderson.
DBN’s Matt Wilson really liked what Marshall showed as a receiver for his size last offseason. It’s possible that he was in line for a roster spot until Sanders became available from the Chargers, and they just chose his upside over Marshall.
Cleveland may carry four running backs, and even if they carry three, Sanders’ spot is not a lock with a new coach in town. Marshall and the rest of the guys at the position will have a fairly decent shot at making the 53-man roster, all things considered.
Final Roster Odds: 20%
5. T.J. Harden – Undrafted RB
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 218 lbs | Age: 22
Experience: Rookie | College: SMU
T.J. Harden was the 33rd-ranked running back in this year’s draft class by Dane Brugler. He played the first three seasons of his college career with UCLA before transferring to SMU as a senior. In 2025, he ran 171 times for 787 yards (4.6 YPC) and 9 TD, and had 19 catches for 99 yards and 1 TD. He was featured more as a receiver during his final year at UCLA, when he had 40 catches for 368 yards.
Earlier this offseason, Matt Wilson looked at three UDFA for the Browns this year who could make the roster, and he highlighted Harden as one of those guys. He pointed out his ability as a receiver, along with his vision and patience:
“The 6’0”, 218-pound ball-carrier from SMU was an absolute tank in the ACC last season, consistently running over defenders and through arm tackles every week. Though he’s not the fastest player in the world (4.59 40-yard dash at his pro day), his vision and patience allow him to find extra running room when run lanes begin to narrow on the playside.“
Final Roster Odds: 20%
6. Davon Booth – Undrafted RB
Height: 5-8 | Weight: 192 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: Rookie | College: Mississippi State
Last, but not least, we have Davon Booth, another undrafted free agent for the Browns. He was the 44th-ranked running back in this year’s draft class by Dane Brugler.
After a year at Utah State, he played his final two seasons at Mississippi State. In 2025, Booth had 136 carries for 553 yards and 7 TD, and 15 catches for 165 yards and 2 TD. Per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Booth has good speed to bounce runs to the outside, is a good decision-making with interior runs, and shows patience and good blitz pickups. On the downside, his size is below average, he doesn’t excel at making cuts, and lacks general explosiveness.
Final Roster Odds: <5%
In our poll question below, we’re asking which running back you think will be penciled in at No. 2 on the depth chart.
