10 Underrated NFL players under 25 years old in 2019

1. RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

You could certainly make a case for another Cleveland Browns’ running back at this spot. Kareem Hunt will be eligible to take the field for Freddie Kitchens’ team after serving an eight-game suspension to start the season. The former member of the Kansas City Chiefs, who led the NFL in rushing yards in 2017, was released by that club after a highly disturbing off-the-field incident that was captured on video. It’s an important topic for another time.

Regardless, the nod goes to surging Nick Chubb. The 35th overall pick in the 2018 draft showed his mettle as the season unfolded. The former University of Georgia product would wind up leading the team in rushing yards (996), yards from scrimmage (1,145) and total touchdowns (10).

But a closer look at the numbers shows how the talented youngster emerged as a force as time wore on. In the team’s final 10 games this past season, Chubb made nine starts. The 23-year old former Bulldog totaled 176 carries for 823 yards and six scores — running for 100-plus yards in three of those contests. Add in 20 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns and that’s an impressive 972 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns during the Browns’ 5-5 finish.

It’s a Cleveland backfield that includes the 5-11, 227-pound Chubb, versatile Duke Johnson (at least for now) and eventually Hunt. That’s a lot of options for head coach Freddie Kitchens, who has quite the sledgehammer when it comes to the first name on that list.