The Cleveland Browns' running back room is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season. With new head coach Todd Monken at the helm, the ground game takes on even greater importance—and for good reason.
Monken's offense is built on the run, and we saw firsthand how he maximized Derrick Henry's talents in Baltimore. Now, he has a young workhorse in Quinshon Judkins, who impressed as a rookie and looks ready to carry the load 20 times a game. But as any savvy football fan knows, depth wins championships, and the battle behind Judkins could be just as compelling.
In Monken's system, the No. 2 and No. 3 backs aren't just insurance policies—they're key contributors. He consistently kept four running backs and a fullback on the roster in Baltimore, using players like Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell in specific roles based on weekly game plans. Expect a similar approach in Cleveland.
Dylan Sampson appears locked into the third-down role, leaving two other spots up for grabs. The current contenders include Raheim Sanders, Ahmani Marshall, and undrafted free agent Davon Booth. Sanders, at 6'0" and 230 pounds, turned heads in 2025 with his surprising pass-catching ability, giving him a strong edge for the RB3 role—unless the Browns add another option before camp.
With Judkins leading the charge and a mix of power, speed, and versatility behind him, Cleveland's backfield could be the engine that drives the offense in 2026. Keep an eye on this group during training camp—it's deeper than you think.
