The Cleveland Browns ended the 2019 season with utter disappointment after having heightened expectations during the offseason. Despite the dismal finish to the season, Nick Chubb provided the team a glimmer of hope for the future.
The Browns drafted Chubb with the 35th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Georgia. In his first season in Cleveland, the Georgia product finished third among rookie rushers in rushing yards. Chubb ended the 2018 season with 996 rushing yards on 192 attempts and eight scores.
Even though the team acquired Odell Beckham Jr. via trade and signed Kareem Hunt, many were excited to see what Chubb could do in his sophomore campaign. The second-year running back definitely didn't dissatisfy the fans in Cleveland with his performance in 2019.
For his second act, Chubb gashed opposing defenses for 1,494 yards on 298 carries and eight touchdowns. As a matter of fact, the former second-round pick was second in the NFL in rushing. The only running back who ran for more yards during the regular season was Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.
Through the first two seasons in his career, it's safe to say that Chubb has exceeded expectations with the Browns. With that being said, just how good is Chubb as a running back in the NFL?
Over the entire regular season, the Browns fell short in many facets of their offense under Freddie Kitchens. Baker Mayfield regressed under center and Kitchens was unable to get Beckham involved in the aerial attack.
However, while the passing attack faltered, Chubb's effectiveness on the ground never wavered. In spite of Kitchens' questionable play-calling, Chubb nearly took home the crown for the league's leading rusher.
At the same time, Chubb flashed more potential as a pass-catcher in his second season in the league. During his rookie campaign, the physical running back caught 20 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
While he didn't haul in any receiving touchdowns, he did contribute 36 catches for 278 yards in 2019. That isn't too shabby for a running back who combined for 31 receptions, 361 yards, and four receiving touchdowns in college.
When discussing the best running backs in the NFL, many include Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, and Alvin Kamara. Rarely do you see someone mention Chubb's name among the formidable rushers in the NFL.
In his first two seasons, Nick Chubb has proven more than capable of hanging around with the best running backs in the NFL. In the event that Chubb puts together another productive campaign in 2020, he may finally get the credit he deserves.
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