Prior to free agency, it is often tough to tell what an NFL team’s draft plans are.

That is very much the case for the Cleveland Browns, who have knocked out multiple needs that they could have drafted next month via signings in free agency.

One position that has been impacted is running back. Cleveland recently signed RB D’Onta Foreman and it makes the second running back that the Browns have signed as a free agent.

After free agency opened, the Browns signed RB Nyheim Hines. Hines is going to offer them a receiving threat, as well as the ability to play on special teams. There is no need to expect Hines to be a guy running between the tackles.

With Nick Chubb’s return to play date to be determined, bringing in Foreman gave the Browns another back that can run between the tackles along with Jerome Ford. Overall, the Browns have four running backs now with Pierre Strong Jr. on the roster.

Cleveland only has five picks in the draft after they traded two to the Denver Broncos for WR Jerry Jeudy. With no first-round pick, hitting on the picks they have is key. The Browns have set themselves up to not have to spend a selection on a running back.

It’s not to say the Browns won’t select a running back because if a guy like Notre Dame’s Audric Estime slides he should be of interest. Cleveland will need to continue to look for a Chubb replacement for when that time comes but it doesn’t have to be 2024.