How will Browns RB Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb perform next season?

By: Michael Welsh

The Cleveland Browns arguably have the most talented backfield in the NFL, and going into 2021 it could be even more dangerous than it was in 2020. Nick Chubb, fresh off signing a contract extension, is fully healthy and ready to go. Kareem Hunt has been looking great in training camp, and rookie RB/WR hybrid Demetric Felton has been very impressive.

Even though Felton has looked good, there is a chance that he makes the team as a wide receiver and the Browns bring back D’earnest Johnson to be the third-string running back. Many believe that Johnson won’t make the team, though. For arguments sake, we will move forward with the idea that the third-string running back in Felton. Let’s take a look at the stat line predictions for the Browns backfield.

Nick Chubb

The Browns have an absolute stud in Nick Chubb, who is entering his fourth NFL season. An argument can be made that he is the best running back in football, especially as a pure runner. He is vital to Cleveland’s offense and he should have another great season since the elite offensive line had no turnover. Chubb missed four games with an MCL sprain in 2020, but barring no setbacks in 2021, he should play “every single game”. He has averaged over five yards per carry in every year since he arrived in the NFL.

1,255 yards, 5.3 YPC, 10 touchdowns

22 receptions, 190 yards, 2 touchdowns

Kareem Hunt

There are several teams in the NFL that could use Kareem Hunt as their number one running back. The Browns are very fortunate to have two rushing-title-capable-backs on the same roster, and Kevin Stefanski knows how to use them both well. There is a good chance that Hunt and Chubb can both have 1,000+ yards, which is very rare in today’s pass heavy league.

1,022 yards, 4.4 YPC, 7 touchdowns

44 receptions, 380 yards, 4 touchdowns

Demetric Felton

There is a solid chance that Demetric Felton gets minimal touches out of the backfield this year, but if he does it will likely be catching the ball. The Browns are reportedly testing him out at kick/punt returner as well, so there could be more opportunities there for him. In the event of a blowout, Kevin Stefanski might put him in at running back to give Hunt and Chubb some rest. Overall, don’t expect big numbers out of him this season

122 yards rushing, 4.2 YPC, 1 touchdown

11 receptions, 133 yards, 1 touchdown