Cleveland Browns: 5 Early standouts at training camp

4. Dontrell Hilliard, RB

One of the prevailing themes of Browns training camp to this point has been lackluster performances or injuries throughout the group of running backs. Duke Johnson has been banged up amidst ongoing trade demands and Kareem Hunt has been injured as well, in addition to trying to learn a new offense. As a result, Nick Chubb has obviously been a big piece but so too has Dontrell Hilliard.

A second-year player that went undrafted out of Tulane last year, Hilliard played an extremely limited offensive role for Cleveland a season ago, though sticking to the roster showed promise enough given his draft status. In 11 games, Hilliard caught nine of his 10 targets on the season for 105 yards. He also played a minor special teams role as a rookie, averaging 24 yards per return on 11 kick returns.

With the extra reps coming his way at training camp due to the injuries, Hilliard has been making the most of them. As noted by Dan Justik of Dawg Pound Daily, the running back has continued to show he can make up for Johnson’s role as a pass-catcher out of the backfield while also showcasing his improvements as a traditional ball-carrier.

In light of Johnson’s uncertain future in Cleveland and with Hunt’s eight-game suspension to begin the 2019 season, Hilliard could well see a bump in playing time. If his early training camp returns are any sign of what’s to come, he’ll have earned a bigger role, without a doubt.