In ESPN's recent mock draft for the 2024 NFL draft, analyst Field Yates has projected the Cleveland Browns selecting running back Trey Benson with their second-round pick. This surprising selection marks Benson as the first running back off the board in the mock draft, despite the Browns' offseason signing of D'Onta Foreman.

One of the reasons behind the potential selection of Benson is the uncertainty surrounding the availability of star running back Nick Chubb for the start of the 2024 regular season. Chubb is currently recovering from a leg injury sustained last year, and while his return is still unclear, the Browns are looking to secure a backup option.

Benson, known for his impressive speed (clocked at 4.39), is considered a versatile player with excellent pass-game traits. Yates believes that if chosen by the Browns, Benson could have a significant role right from the start, capitalizing on Chubb's uncertain status and Jerome Ford's solid but not spectacular performance as a fill-in last season.

However, it's important to note that the Browns' recent signing of D'Onta Foreman has added another factor to the team's running back situation. Foreman has proven to be efficient analytically, despite a limited number of carries in the NFL.

With Chubb's recovery ongoing, it is more likely that the Browns will opt to utilize a running back platoon, combining the talents of Foreman and Ford. This strategy would provide depth and ensure a strong running game for the team, rather than solely relying on one player.

While Benson's potential selection in the second round is an intriguing prospect, the Browns' recent acquisition of Foreman and their need for a complementary running back suggests that the team might pursue a different strategy in the upcoming draft.

As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Browns address their running back position and whether they ultimately choose to invest a high pick in Trey Benson or explore other options to strengthen their backfield.