Cleveland Browns named ‘best fit’ for one-time AFC North running back who comes with a real red flag
Heading into free agency, the Cleveland Browns had several needs and they have filled out some of those. Still, one position the Browns could use an addition or two is the running back position. Nick Chubb remains a free agent who the Browns could bring back on a one-year deal following two straight season-ending injuries. […]
Heading into free agency, the Cleveland Browns had several needs and they have filled out some of those.
Still, one position the Browns could use an addition or two is the running back position. Nick Chubb remains a free agent who the Browns could bring back on a one-year deal following two straight season-ending injuries.
The draft next month is where the Browns should find their starter of the future, though they need more depth than that. According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Browns are a best fit for a former Baltimore Ravens standout.
Browns connected to former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins who comes with a real risk
Barnwell named the Browns as top fit for Dobbins, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers. Interestingly enough, the Pittsburgh Steelers were named a fit as well after losing Najee Harris to the Chargers.
When Dobbins is healthy and on the field, he is a solid NFL running back and very capable of being a guy who can take on a load of carries each game. Still, the injuries are there and like Chubb, he can’t be counted on to be the team’s lead running back.
“Since 2020, the list of backs with 300 carries who have averaged more yards per rush than Dobbins' 5.2 consists of De'Von Achane and Jahmyr Gibbs. After returning from the Achilles injury last season, Dobbins averaged 4.6 yards per tote while racking up a career-high 195 carries. He didn't fumble for the third consecutive season and generated 115 rush yards over expectation, which ranked 13th among all backs.” — Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Dobbins had 905 yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games last season, which is the most he has played since his rookie season when he played in 15 games with the Ravens. Baltimore drafted Dobbins in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
The former Ohio State standout missed the entire 2021 season with a serious knee injury, then returned in 2022 to play in eight games with the Ravens. Dobbins had 520 yards during those eight games and once again looked the part.
Unfortunately, Dobbins played just one game in 2023 due to an Achilles tear. Last season with the Chargers was a solid bounce back, but he still missed multiple games with an MCL sprain.
Dobbins hasn’t been able to stay healthy during his NFL career and is a major risk to sign. However, he could be a player that is worth the reward if he can change the tide on the injury history.
Cleveland may be content with adding to the running back room in the draft, but there are veteran options out there like Dobbins who can be potential help.
Cleveland Browns could be on the brink of making a major mistake with where their QB carousel has now taken them
Wouldn’t be the ideal move.
