CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns are returning to their roots in the run game this season on the backs of a veteran offensive line and two rookie running backs.
Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, second and fourth-round picks respectively, will carry most of the load and have the unenviable task of being the backs to follow Nick Chubb, who signed with the Texans last week.
Browns running backs coach Duce Staley addressed the media at minicamp last week and we were able to learn some things about how he views his runners and how the Browns plan to utilize them.
They want Dylan Sampson to be a receiving threat
Scenes from Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Berea
The Browns will use Dylan Sampson in a pass-catching role more than he was used there at Tennessee.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
In college, Sampson wasn’t much of a receiving threat. He caught 40 passes for 342 yards in three seasons at Tennessee. According to data from Pro Football Focus, he lined up in the slot or out wide just 12 times last season and 13 times the season before.
Sampson indicated at rookie minicamp it wasn’t a case of not being able to but more of not being asked to in college.
“Something that I wasn’t able to showcase a lot at Tennessee,” he said, “but I feel like I was able to showcase what could be at my pro days and at the combine. Anytime I could run routes, I ran routes”
Running backs coach Duce Staley mentioned during last week’s minicamp using Sampson as a dual threat option.
“Being able to show him as a running back and a receiver,” Staley said. “Also meeting with (wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea) in there and going over some of the receiver splits and routes and just being able to just take his game and expand it.”
The Browns’ remade passing game will rely on their tight ends, David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr., and their running backs. That means Sampson and fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins along with Jerome Ford will need to be real pass-catching threats.
“Dylan is able to go play in the slot and also he’s able to go and play on third down and maybe sprinkle in a little second down,” Staley said. “I’m not saying (Judkins) can’t play on third down, but I’m just looking at what we can do with Dylan as far as the receiver and we’ll be able to do a little something with (Judkins) at receiver too.”
We’ll see the real Quinshon Judkins in pads
Scenes from Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Berea
We only got a glimpse of what Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is capable of during the offseason program.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Staley was asked to compare Judkins to other running backs he’s coached.
“Well, we’re out here in pajamas right now,” Staley said. “When we put on some armor, I’ll let you know.”
Last year at Ohio State, Judkins was a tough, physical runner, reminiscent at times of Kareem Hunt during his time as the Browns’ battering ram. Judkins has already spoken fondly of running against defenses that have been worn down by a grinding offensive line and powerful rushing attack.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has referred to the spring as a passing camp in past years and admitted a few times this spring it’s hard to judge the run game in an environment with no hitting and no pads.
Judkins should thrive when things turn more physical in the summer and, the Browns hope, things get real in September and beyond.
Sampson should do well in that setting, too. He was eighth among FBS backs in yards after contact last season, according to PFF.
Don’t forget about Jerome Ford
Cleveland Browns OTAs, June 4, 2025
Browns running back Jerome Ford can be a weapon on the ground, in the air and in the return game.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Staley made it a point to give some attention to Ford and Pierre Strong, two backs who have already spent time in the team’s backfield and have contributed on special teams.
Let’s focus on Ford.
“You know about his speed. He’s able to pick up the blitz and catch the ball,” Staley said.
This is all about roles. Is Ford the guy to have as a team’s top back? No. As the third back? Absolutely.
Ford is an explosive player who has 1,922 combined scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns the last two seasons. He can hit another gear in the second level and could be used in the return game.
He’s a nice complement to Judkins and Sampson and can step in and play if one of them misses time due to injury.
Football Insider newsletter free trial: Take a minute and sign up for a free trial of our Football Insider newsletter, featuring exclusive content from cleveland.com's Browns reporters.