Dontrell Hilliard continuing to stand out during Cleveland Browns camp

Cleveland Browns running back Dontrell Hilliard has been one of the hotter names of 2019 for the Browns, and he is continuing to make plays during camp.

The Cleveland Browns running backs were supposed to be one of the deepest position groups when the Browns took the field for training camp, but that has not been the case due to injuries. Most of the training camp reps so far have gone to Nick Chubb and Dontrell Hilliard.

With Kareem Hunt and Duke Johnson missing time with minor injuries, it has caused Chubb and Hilliard to take most of the running back workload during the first week of camp. But the extra reps for Hilliard have helped him stand out during the beginning of training camp.

Hilliard has used the extra reps to show that he can fill in Johnson’s role as a pass catcher out of the backfield, and do so well. But he is also showing that he can be an effective runner when given the opportunity.

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During his rookie campaign in 2018, Hilliard was rarely used in Cleveland’s offense, playing only 5.32 percent of Cleveland’s offensive snaps. In that limited action, Hilliard did not register a carry and caught nine receptions for 105 yards.

When the offseason rolled around, it became known that the Browns were intrigued with Hilliard and that it could lead to more playing time for him during 2019. And his performance during training camp so far is going to make it hard to keep him off the field. According to Nathan Zegura of the Browns official website, Hilliard has had the play of Browns camp with a 50-yard touchdown run during Sunday’s practice.

With Hilliard showing he can be a versatile back for the Browns, Cleveland could seemingly put him into any situation they need to. If his ability as a pass catcher pushes the Browns into trading Johnson, it will open up the third-down back role for Hilliard to fill. And his emergence could end up making the Browns even more comfortable with moving Johnson.

The Browns will have a dynamic offense in 2019, not only because of their star power with Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Chubb, but because they have depth and play-makers all over their offensive depth chart.

Hilliard is in position to have an increased role during the regular season. But with his performance during the early part of training camp, Hilliard could put himself in line to become a vital member of Cleveland’s 2019 offense.