The Cleveland Browns running backs were among the team’s best position groups in 2019. It started with Nick Chubb, who finished runner-up to Tennessee Titans’ running back Derrick Henry for the league’s rushing title. In Week 10, the group got help from Kareem Hunt, who carried the ball well, played some fullback at times, and even snagged 37 receptions over the final eight games.
Dontrell Hilliard played behind Chubb for the first eight games of the season and was serviceable, logging 13 carries for 49 yards and two touchdowns while also recording 12 receptions. Also, seeing playing time in 2019 was D’Ernest Johnson, a preseason standout who also contributed in a few games.
Cleveland Browns Running Backs in 2020
Nick Chubb
Chubb has solidified himself as one of the league’s best running backs. Through two seasons, he’s logged 2,490 yards and has averaged 5.1 yards per carry along with 16 career touchdowns. Every time he touches the ball he’s a threat to take it into the end zone and he constantly gobbles up yardage to keep the Browns’ offense moving.
What’s even more amazing is even behind a poor offensive line, Chubb was still an effective runner. Add Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin to bookend the line and Browns fans need to ask themselves what Chubb can do in 2020.
Look for him to have another stellar season and probably receive even more chances to score since it appears the Browns will commit to the run more than they did in 2019, as evidenced by the signing of Conklin and trading for fullback Andy Janovich. Better yet, Chubb will also have help for a full season in 2020 as Kareem Hunt is eligible for all 16 games.
Kareem Hunt
Hunt missed the first eight games in 2020 due to a suspension that stemmed from an incident in early 2018.
He returned to the Browns in Week 10 and took on a triple threat role, playing running back, fullback, and even receiver. While he only logged 179 rushing yards in 2019, he figures to return closer to his 2017-18 form in 2020 since Kevin Stefanski’s offense will focus more on the running game. However, pass-catching is where Hunt found his niche in Cleveland, logging 37 receptions in only eight games.
Not bad for a player who spent the first half of the season on the reserve/suspended list. If Hunt continues to stay out of trouble, he’ll be a legitimate number two back for the Browns and he’s a player who can still be a number one back in the league. This gives the Browns’ running game a tremendous advantage over their opponents in 2020, possessing two running backs who can start for any of the 32 teams.
Dontrell Hilliard
Hilliard is an intriguing player who served the team best as a returner in 2019 while also logging some decent reps at running back when Hunt was suspended. Besides his contributions at running back, Hilliard averaged 24.8 yards on kick returns with a long of 74 yards. He also contributed in the punt return game with 15 returns for 107 yards and a long of 18 yards. He had two fumbles, however.
For 2020, Hilliard figures to be the team’s number three back behind Chubb and Hunt. Don’t be surprised if he plays special teams more in 2020 and sees a diminished role on offense. Of the remaining five backs to be discussed, Hilliard has the best chance of securing a roster spot in 2020.
D’Ernest Johnson
Johnson served a similar yet further diminished role to Hilliard in 2019, logging four rushing attempts for 21 yards while also recording six receptions for 71 yards. He also averaged 25.8 yards on five kickoff returns with a long of 47 yards.
Johnson will have to fight for a roster spot in 2020, but he was a standout during the 2019 preseason. If he has an excellent camp, he might unseat Hilliard and become the team’s number three back.
Andy Janovich (FB)
Janovich came to the Browns in a trade with the Denver Broncos. He has seen 13 career rushing attempts for 51 yards along with three rushing touchdowns. He also has 22 career receptions, 233 yards, and a touchdown to go with it.
A true lead blocker, Janovich helped Phillip Lindsay to clinch 1,000 yards rushing over the latter’s first two seasons in the league. In Cleveland, he looks to help Nick Chubb continue his dominance over opposing defenses.
Other Backs in Camp
Brian Herrien had 103 carries for 490 yards in his senior season at the University of Georgia. He logged six rushing touchdowns and 4.8 yards per carry. As a pass-catcher, he recorded 16 receptions, 110 yards, and a touchdown. He’ll fight for a roster spot in a loaded Browns backfield.
Benny LeMay is a short, stocky prospect with a slow 40-yard dash but possesses more than optimal strength. At Charlotte, LeMay led his team in rushing yards with 1,243 on 232 carries, good for 5.4 yards per carry. He also recorded 11 rushing touchdowns. He’s another long shot, but he possesses an optimal build to be a power running back in the NFL.
Johnny Stanton is a fullback who will compete for a roster spot with Andy Janovich. Stanton previously spent two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. In 2019, he spent part of the season on the Vikings’ practice squad. Stanton faces an uphill battle to unseat Janovich and will need to have a strong camp.
