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Cleveland Browns: 4 Undrafted free agents from 2019 that can be starters

By Elliot Kennel

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: Stephen Carlson #89 of the Cleveland Browns stiff arms Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: Stephen Carlson #89 of the Cleveland Browns stiff arms Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 17: D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 17: D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball during the first half of the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Running Back D’Ernest Johnson

To be honest, it kind of sucks to be a backup running back on the Browns because they have Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt at the top of the depth chart. That is the situation D’Ernest Johnson finds himself in.

Johnson was a star in the Alliance of American Football (AAF), the predecessor of the current XFL. In their all-too-short season, he managed to run for  372 yards on 64 carries, an impressive 5.8 yards per carry. He also added 22 pass receptions for 220 yards.

Johnson was then signed by the Cleveland Browns and proceeded to lead them in rushing yards in the pre-season. What have the Browns got here? Can this kid really play?

In college, he put up just okay numbers for South Florida which plays in Division I FBS.  He gained 1796 yards for his career, with 4.3 yards per carry. At South Florida, he was overshadowed by quarterback Quinton Flowers who was also the leading rusher.

Going to the AAF was a big deal because he finally had a chance to perform in a more Pro-style offense, and he excelled.  He led the AAF in yards per carry and was tied for second in rushing yards, and was second in total yards from scrimmage.

With the Browns, he got in a few games as a running back, but also returned punts and kicks.  He should make the team because of his special teams contributions.

Next. Retooling the Browns 3.0. dark

Dontrell Hilliard also is vying for the role of the third-down back, though his progress was slowed by a season-ending knee injury last year.  A starting gig with the Browns would only occur if there is, God forbid, an injury to Nick Chubb and/or Kareem Hunt.

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