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Grading the top five rookie running backs drafted in 2018

By Joel Deering

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Saquon Barkley of Penn State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #2 overall by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 16: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball as Kurt Coleman #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 16: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball as Kurt Coleman #29 of the New Orleans Saints defends during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

4. 35th Overall Pick – Nick Chubb – Cleveland Browns

Games Played: 9

Games Started: 2

Rushing Stats: 74 attempts for 403 yards, an average of 5.4 yards per carry and 4 TDs.

Receiving Stats: 3 receptions for 15 yards and 0 TDs.

Analysis: Of all the top five rookie RBs, I’d have to say Nick Chubb was the hardest for me to grade. Chubb has spent time as a backup and starting RB this season, which I had to take into account while grading him.

When Chubb was the backup, the most carries he received in a game was three. It’s tough to evaluate a player who only gets three carries a game. Despite his limited carries, Chubb did have games where he ran for 21 yards, 14 yards, 105 yards and 25 yards on three carries or less. Before he ever started a game, Chubb had a yards per rush average of 10.2.

Was his success as a rusher a result of the defense being worn down? Was it a result of him being that talented? That’s what the Browns had to decide. Cleveland decided it was because of his talent as a runner, which led to them trading away Carlos Hyde.

Now comes evaluating Chubb as a starting running back. Chubb has started two of the last three games for the Browns. In those games, Chubb has received at least 18 carries and rushed for at least 65 yards. He also had a rushing TD in two of those three games.

Chubb’s numbers as a starter aren’t outstanding, but they’re not bad. His yards per attempt has come down to 4.0 yards per carry since his first start. He has more 100-yard rushing games as a backup than as a starter.

It’s tough to knock Chubb because I think teams are trying to put pressure on Chubb’s teammate and fellow rookie, Baker Mayfield, to win games for them. They can do that by stopping the running game. Both Mayfield and Chubb are young, and I think they’ll both improve as time goes on. Neither has been outstanding for the Browns, but they have been solid in their rookie seasons.

Grade: B

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