Top Running Back Prospect Visits Cleveland

Former Florida State running back Trey Benson reportedly had a top-30 visit with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns may look to strengthen their running back room due to uncertainty about Nick Chubb's future.

Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3) rushes with the ball. / Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA

Recently, there has been positive news about the recovery process for star running back Nick Chubb as he continues through rehab. As we still await a true time frame for when to expect Chubb back in a helmet and pads, Andrew Berry did hint at having a better idea on his recovery timeline by the draft.

Even though the main focus with Chubb is getting back to normal and then the potential of a return in 2024, it is still important to remember that the 28-year-old's current contract ends this year. Chubb will then be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. The Browns' front office will have some big decisions to make at the running back position sooner rather than later.

Someone who may be able to make the team's future decision a bit easier happens to be former Florida State running back Trey Benson. Benson reportedly had a top-30 visit with the Cleveland Browns in preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Benson meeting with Cleveland is an eye-opener and makes a ton of sense. In a running back class that will likely not have any players selected in the first round, Benson may end up being the first one to come off the board. He will be highly sought after and likely won't make it past the second round.

Cleveland does hold the 54th pick and if he manages to slide to that point, then the Browns have their answer at starting running back for 2025 and beyond.

Benson is by far and away my number one running back in this class and ranks as my 24th overall prospect. In his final season at Florida State, he ran for 905 yards on 156 carries, averaging a solid 5.8 yards per carry while also finding the end zone 14 times. He is an elite runner with workhorse capabilities. Benson generates plenty of power through his legs and always keeps them churning through contact.

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3). / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Benson and Jerome Ford could actually become one of the better one-two punches in the NFL pretty quickly. Landing the talents of Benson feels unrealistic unless Andrew Berry and company decide to trade up ahead of the New York Giants at pick 47.

Despite bringing in Devin Singletary to replace Saquon Barkley, the Giants are rumored to not be content at the running back spot and have strong interest in Benson.

If the Browns truly want Trey Benson, then being aggressive on draft day will be necessary. Depending on the compensation it would take to make that move up, Benson may still be worth it.