Nick Chubb News

Chubb opened his debut season buried on the depth chart behind Carlos Hyde, but after he exploded for 105 rushing yards and two TDs on three carries Week 4, it was only a matter of time before the rookie shoved the veteran aside. Chubb didn’t see double-digit carries until Hyde was traded to the Jaguars in Week 7, but once he did he was a force, averaging 82.3 rushing yards per game and 4.7 YPC. The second-year pro didn’t offer a lot as a receiver last year, though with Duke Johnson no longer around to handle passing-down assignments, Chubb and Dontrell Hilliard may need to step up some in that area. In his lead role, Chubb uses his power and surprising balance to stay on his feet through contact. Chubb’s 29 broken tackles on rushes ranked fifth in the NFL, and he only saw nine carries inside the 5-yard line, a number that could rise significantly now that Cleveland knows what he’s capable of. The offseason signing of Kareem Hunt raises questions, but he won’t be eligible to return from suspension until Week 10. In any case, the trade for Odell Beckham Jr. should create a high-powered offense that gives Chubb plenty of carries near the goal line even if he eventually shares snaps.

The gruesome knee injury Chubb suffered on national television at Georgia as a sophomore still casts a shadow over his resume, but the 5-11, 227-pound power back proved the last two seasons that he still has plenty to offer an NFL club even if he doesn’t quite have the same explosiveness he once did. Chubb’s low center of gravity, pad level and outstanding balance allow him to plow through traffic and pick up yards after contact, so he could be a goal-line weapon in the pros. He doesn’t have breakaway speed and hasn’t shown much ability as a receiver, however, likely limiting his role to early downs and short yardage. Drafted 35th overall, he joins a crowded backfield that also has receiving specialist Duke Johnson and former 49ers lead back Carlos Hyde – a situation that likely will limit Chubb’s touches as a rookie unless he significantly outplays Hyde. Chubb did show a great deal of improvement between his final two years at Georgia, and if he makes another leap heading into 2018 and regains more of the burst and quick-cut ability he flashed prior to his injury, he could push Hyde right out of the picture.