Cleveland Browns: 3 Takeaways from Training Camp day 6

2. Hilliard is making plays

With Duke Johnson still out nursing a hamstring injury, second-year running back Dontrell Hilliard continues to make the most of the opportunity he’s being afforded. After a strong showing, while Duke skipped OTAs, Hilliard started to garner praise from the coaches. He took another step forward on Wednesday as he broke off a couple of nice runs — including a nice inside zone run that was shared by Jake Burns of Cleveland.com.

Hilliard was also praised by head coach Freddie Kitchens for being effective not only as a runner but as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Of course, this isn’t new as Nathan Zegura of the team’s official website said that he had the play of the day back on Sunday and that No. 25 entered their day off with his stock rising high.

"“Dontrell Hilliard has stepped up in their absence as the No. 2 running back and has produced as both a receiver and runner thus far, and his long touchdown scamper in the live period on Sunday has been the biggest play of training camp thus far.” — Zegura, ClevelandBrowns.com"

Undrafted out of Tulane, Hilliard is doing all he can to help Johnson in his quest to be traded. He’s shining as a running back and has also been used on special teams in the return game. Should he keep this up, it will be hard to keep him off the field.