Sabermetric value analysis of Cleveland Browns O-Line and running backs

Sabermetric value analysis suggests the Cleveland Browns running backs are playing a higher level than expected, but not getting value from the right side of the offensive line.

In the last installment, by comparing the salary cap hit of Baker Mayfield and his receivers, the conclusion was that the Cleveland Browns are getting good value from Mayfield. However the wide receivers were costing a bundle without providing All-Pro level performance in the first six games, judging by grades given by Pro Football Focus and the salary cap hit for each player as recorded by Over the Cap.

By that metric, running back has been an outstanding position for the Browns. Nick Chubb has been dynamite, as the 2018 second-round draft pick is graded seventh best overall after an outstanding rookie season last year.

Were the Giants smart to draft Saquon Barkley in the first round? Sure. But the Browns did better with Nick Chubb, who is playing much, much better then a 35th overall draft pick. But Dontrell Hilliard is also playing meaningful football, graded 42nd highest among running backs, while being paid the NFL minimum salary for second year players.

D’Ernest Johnson is not far behind at 50th, while playing for the NFL rookie minimum salary. As value propositions, the Browns running backs are outstanding.