Running back Ford ‘going to be a weapon’ for the Browns
In the last 15 games of his college career, Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford ran for four touchdowns that went 75-plus yards. Browns area scout Max Paulus brought up Ford's long runs after he was selected in the fourth round, 156th overall, of last weekend's NFL draft.
Paulus also praised Ford's “electric speed, burst and explosion,” pointing to the back's 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine.
As his position coach at Cincinnati, Darren Paige witnessed those same abilities during the two's time together.
“I think he's built to hit home runs,” Paige said. “He has that ability to take things the distance when he finds a little bit of a crease, a little bit of space. He processes what the defense is giving him, and he can put the pedal to the metal and take it the distance.”
Ford totaled 20 touchdowns as he helped Cincinnati to its first appearance in the College Football Playoffs. He rushed for 1,391 yards (6.2 average) and a school record-tying 19 touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown.
Paige has spent 10 years as a college position coach and directed receivers for nine of those. When asked if Ford also has the receiving ability to become a third-down back, Paige laughed.
“I was hard on him,” answered Paige. “I was really tough on my guys about catching the ball and seeing it all the way in. He's a little bit awkward when it comes to catching the football, but the guy didn't have a drop all season. He had a couple long receptions [two catches for 67 yards against Tulsa], wheel routes out of the backfield.
“If he needs to improve on something, it's definitely his route-running and just being comfortable and catching the ball more consistently. We didn't split him out a ton. He didn't have a huge menu of routes. I think
that's an area where he's definitely going to be able to grow.
“As he continues to grow in that capacity, I think he's really going to be a weapon for the Browns.”
The Browns added Ford to a crowded running back room that includes three-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb, 2017 NFL rushing champion Kareem Hunt, D'ernest Johnson, and 2021 draftee Demetric Felton. But if Ford can improve his receiving skills, he could supplant Johnson, a restricted free agent who has not signed his tender.