Cleveland Browns: Pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction
By Randy Gurzi
Running Back (3): Nick Chubb, Duke Johnson, Dontrell Hilliard
One position that could see a lot of change is running back. We already know that the Browns will add a player after eight games — provided no unforeseen incidents off the field occur. Former Kansas City Chiefs star Kareem Hunt was let go last season following the release of a video that showed him shoving and kicking a female in a Cleveland hotel during a heated argument.
Hunt was then picked up by the Browns, which was predicted considering John Dorsey was the one who drafted Hunt back in 2017 when he was still with the Chiefs. Hunt has since been suspended by the league for eight games but gives Cleveland one of the most versatile backs in the game once he returns to the field.
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Another way the roster can change at the position is if Duke Johnson were to be traded. Johnson was once one of the few playmakers on the team but his usage declined dramatically in 2018 and it’s not likely to change this season — especially once Hunt returns.
Johnson has asked to be traded but so far, the Browns have not honored his request. Freddie Kitchens says there’s a role for Duke this season and it sounds as though they have no intention of changing their minds, but a solid offer from a desperate team could wind up changing it for them.
Even before Hunt returns, Johnson will be behind Nick Chubb who had 996 yards rushing as a rookie. He started out this past season as a backup to veteran Carlos Hyde and wasn’t elevated to the starting position — despite playing better — until Dorsey forced Hue Jackson’s hand by trading Hyde. Now, he’s going to have eight games to prove he’s a better option than the former rushing champion.
Lastly, there’s Dontrell Hilliard who was undrafted last season out of Tulane. Hilliard has yet to be given a rushing attempt in the NFL but did have 105 yards off nine receptions last year. He also has the ability to contribute as a return man.