Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Breaking down the 2020 Cleveland Browns: Running Back

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns runs to score a touchdown while under pressure from defensive back Nik Needham #40 of the Miami Dolphins during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns runs to score a touchdown while under pressure from defensive back Nik Needham #40 of the Miami Dolphins during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by safety Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns is tackled by safety Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Kareem Hunt

How often does a team have two running backs who have rushed for over 1,300 yards in a single season? Not often, but after a troubling offseason in 2018, Kareem Hunt returned home to Cleveland, OH to try and resurrect his career. In 2019 Hunt did just that, showing not only could he catch the ball out of the backfield, but was also willing to lead block and help open holes for Chubb.

Hunt had only 179 rushing yards and 285 receiving yards in eight games last season, but he was far more important to the offense than the stats show. Many times, Hunt caught a tough ball on third and medium to keep a drive alive.

He was also used as a decoy to help open lanes for Chubb, which he doesn’t receive any credit for.  Hunt’s role as a running back will be limited next season, but look for him to continue to shine as a slot receiver or catching balls out of the backfield.

Johnny Stanton

The first signing of new head coach Kevin Stefanski was nonother than fullback Johnny Stanton who was previously on the Minnesota Vikings roster with Stefanski.  With the addition of Janovich, Stanton could end up being a practice squad guy. Stanton is extremely athletic but will struggle to see the field in 2020 without injuries.

Dontrell Hilliard, D’Ernest Johnson, and Brian Herrian

Of these three backs, only one will likely make the game-day roster, one being cut, and one on the practice squad. Given his special team’s presence and experience, look for Dontrell Hilliard to be the third back on game day.

D’Ernest Johnson did okay at times when given a chance but will struggle to make the roster in 2020.  Brian Herrian who is an undrafted back from Georgia will be a prime practice squad guy and could have some potential in upcoming years.

The Browns have as good of backfield as any team in the NFL. Look for Janovich to pave holes for Chubb while Hunt continues to dazzle catching the ball out of the backfield.

Next. Are the Browns considering Larry Warford?. dark

This will likely be the last year for Hunt in Cleveland, so coaches better make sure to utilize him before the talent is gone.

Home/Browns News