Fansided

5 bold predictions for Browns in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

BEREA, OH - MAY 30, 2019: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns directs a drill during an OTA practice on May 30, 2019 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by: 2019 Diamond Images via Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - MAY 30, 2019: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns directs a drill during an OTA practice on May 30, 2019 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by: 2019 Diamond Images via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) reaches for the pylon during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Chubb was ruled down short of the goal line. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) reaches for the pylon during the second quarter of the National Football League game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on December 23, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Chubb was ruled down short of the goal line. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Nick Chubb won’t lead the team in carries

Mayfield wasn’t the only Browns’ rookie to enjoy a big rookie season. Chubb was a very productive running back in his first professional season too. He churned out 996 yards on 192 carries with eight touchdowns to his credit.

Most fans and NFL executives believe Chubb is primed for a big year. Simply check where he’s going in Fantasy drafts for confirmation. There is however, some significant risk associated with counting on Chubb so heavily.

He’s an excellent runner between the tackles, but he’s not the most dynamic back in the league. It’s easy to envision a scenario where Kitchens and his staff hand meaningful snaps to a player who can help more in the passing game. If he stays, Duke Johnson is absolutely a guy who can steal a ton of snaps from Chubb on third down.

Chubb’s upright running style also makes him a significant injury risk. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t stay healthy for a full 16 game season. It’s also possible the Browns will try to reduce his workload to keep him fresh for a playoff run. This certainly qualifies as a bold prediction, but Chubb isn’t a lock to lead this team in carries in his second season.

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