What’s right about the Cleveland Browns Dontrell Hilliard

One of the players that no one seems to be talking about is Dontrell Hilliard, but the Cleveland Browns may have another talented back on their hands.

One of the players no one seems to be talking about is Dontrell Hilliard, but the Cleveland Browns may have another talented back on their hands. Last year, life seemed rather simple as the Browns signed Carlos Hyde, the veteran power back from Ohio State, and at the same time rewarded Duke Johnson with a lucrative contract that made him the 11th richest running back in the NFL.

Nick Chubb was drafted in the second round.  One of the chief sources of drama was who the Browns should play at running back with the coaching staff (either Hue Jackson or Offensive Coordinator Toddy Haley, depending on who you believe made lineup decisions for the team) strongly preferring the veteran Hyde, and Dorsey blowing his stack because he believed more in Chubb.  Chubb was limited by the stubborn coaching staff to a maximum of three carries per game, until Dorsey got so mad he traded Chubb to Jacksonville and more or less forced the coaches to start Chubb.

Meanwhile, as this drama unfolder, the Browns had a rookie running back named Dontrell Hilliard who quietly started to do some good things.

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Believe it or not, Dontrell Hilliard is the top kick return man on the Browns roster with the departure of Jabrill Peppers.

Hilliard led the Browns in kick return average of 24.0 on 11 returns for 264 yards or an average of 24.0.  Peppers had 19 returns for 408 yards, but a slightly lower average at 21.5 yards per return.  The other running backs on the Browns roster had zero returns for zero yards, including Duke Johnson.

The first string kickoff returner is Hilliard going into summer camp, with Antonio Callaway as second string. Duke Johnson’s name does not appear on the depth chart, although for whatever reason he has the reputation among Cleveland fans for being valuable as a returner.

Johnson had three punt returns in 2017 and none last year.  Hilliard had 149 snaps on special teams last year, while Johnson had 12.

Nevertheless, Johnson has gained 1,286 yards on the ground in his four year career, with 4.3 yards per carry. More impressively, he catches over 75 percent of everything thrown his way, and he has 2170 receiving yards for his career.  Many observers wondered if he might have a future as a slot receiver, though that point has become moot with the arrival of All-Pro slot receiver Jarvis Landry.

However, Hilliard started to cut into Johnson’s snaps last year. Mayfield targeted the lad 10 times, and he snagged 9 receptions for 105 yards.  On the basis of total yards from scrimmage per offensive snap, Johnson put up 1.37 yards/snap while Hilliard was better at 1.81 yards/snap.

Yes it’s a limited number of reps, but Hilliard is first string kickoff returner and produced at Duke’s level or a little higher when given the opportunity.

Hilliard did not have a single carry during the regular season, but toted the rock 30 times in the pre-season, with 82 yards.

Hlilliard came to the Browns from Tulane University, where he was a very good running back if not a college superstar.  In his senior year, he gained over 1,000 yards on the ground and averaged over five yards per carry. He had a modest 740 receiving yards over a four year career.

At his Pro Day, the 6-foot, 205 pound halfback ran a 4.42 40 yard dash, but was a little slower at the Combine at 4.57. He’s not huge and not super fast, but his numbers are well within the range of NFL running backs.

Looking at the roster, the Browns are sitting pretty with Nick Chubb a the top of depth chart.  Second string Kareem Hunt is suspended for the first half of the season. Orson Charles is listed as a tight end but in reality he is the teams top fullback.   Thus, there is room to carry both Duke Johnson and Dontrell Hilliard for the first eight games.

When Kareem Hunt returns to the active roster, the Browns might be forced to make a decision.  It might very well be that Hilliard will finda way to survive.