Cleveland Browns: Way too early 53-man roster prediction

Running Back (3):

Nick Chubb, Duke Johnson, Dontrell Hilliard

This position will look different after eight games since the team will have 2017 NFL rushing champ, Kareem Hunt, back from suspension. Originally drafted by Dorsey with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hunt was one of the best running backs in the game for his first 27 games. He had 1,327 yards on the ground and 455 as a rookie, with 11 total touchdowns. In his second season, he had 824 yards rushing and 378 receiving with 14 total touchdowns through 11 games.

However, he ended up being released by the team after a video was released that showed him in a physical altercation with a female in a Cleveland hotel. Hunt was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List but still landed with the Browns in the offseason. Later his suspension was announced and he wisely decided not to fight it.

With him out, the three running backs will be Nick Chubb, Duke Johnson, and Dontrell Hilliard. Chubb crossed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie, but then ran for a loss on the next couple of plays and finished with 996 yards. He proved as a rookie that he’s a feature back in the NFL as he averaged 5.2 yards per attempt and set a team-record with a 92-yard rush against Atlanta.

Behind him will be Duke Johnson, who was unhappy with his role in 2018 and requested a trade once Hunt was signed. The presence of another bell cow makes it less than likely that Duke’s role will increase in 2019.

Lastly, there’s Dontrell Hilliard who made his mark as a return man. Even though he’s the third back, his job should remain secure even when Hunt returns mainly due to his abilities on special teams.