The Cleveland Browns have turned heads this offseason with a swift and impressive overhaul of their offense—but as the 2026 season approaches, one glaring question remains unanswered.
General manager Andrew Berry wasted no time reshaping the unit. Free agency saw the Browns bolster their offensive line with key additions like guards Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson. Then, in the 2026 NFL Draft, Berry pulled off a savvy move by trading down from the No. 6 pick and still securing one of the draft's top offensive tackles, Utah's Spencer Fano, to anchor the left side for years to come.
The receiving corps also got a major upgrade. Berry doubled down at wideout, snagging Texas A&M's explosive playmaker KC Concepcion with the No. 24 pick and Washington's reliable target Denzel Boston at No. 39. With this influx of talent, the offense is primed to take a big leap under new head coach Todd Monken, a coach known for creative schemes.
But even with all this firepower, there's a critical crack in the foundation. While the quarterback situation remains a hot topic, it's the running back room that could truly make or break Cleveland's season in 2026.
The engine of the ground game is second-year back Quinshon Judkins, a 2025 second-round pick out of Ohio State. Judkins flashed serious potential as a rookie, racking up 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns before a brutal season-ending injury against the Buffalo Bills derailed his campaign. The good news? He was spotted on the field during voluntary workouts, signaling progress. The concern, however, is whether he'll be fully ready for Week 1.
If Judkins isn't at 100%, the depth chart behind him doesn't inspire much confidence. Fellow second-year backs Dylan Sampson and Rahiem Sanders combined for just 2.9 yards per carry last season—a worrying stat for a team that needs a reliable ground attack to balance its high-flying passing game. For the Browns to truly contend, Judkins' health and the run game's consistency will be just as crucial as any quarterback decision this year.