What You Need to Know:

-After a suspension-shortened 2019, Hunt returned to play all 16 games last season. He dropped 198-841-6 plus 38-304-5 as a receiver.

-Hunt confirmed his value as an overqualified handcuff. In the 5 games that Nick Chubb missed some or all of (MCL sprain), Hunt ranked as the RB13, RB14, RB32, RB8 and RB30.

-The former Chief averaged 18 opportunities per game (carries + targets) over that stretch.

-In the duo’s 11 full regular season games together, Hunt was out-touched 150-200.

-Still, Hunt ranked as a top-24 PPR RB 6 times in 11 games with Chubb.

-No surprise why, as Cleveland ranked 4th in run rate; 4th in attempts.

-While volume — 5 receiving scores — helped Hunt finish as the PPR RB10, he remained a legit talent. He 3.17 yards after contact per attempt mark nearly set a career high.

-Hunt also ranked 8th among 47 RBs with 100+ attempts in Pro Football Focus’ Elusive Rating.

-Nick Chubb continued to play out of his mind; his advanced metrics all topped Hunt’s. This despite both guys seeing 8+ man boxes on ~32% of their rushes.

-Cleveland trotted out PFF’s top run-blocking O-line in 2020. The same 5 starters return.

-The Browns return the same QB (Baker Mayfield), O-line, HC (Kevin Stefanski) and OC (Alex Van Pelt).

-The Browns will get back Odell Beckham, who missed Week 8 on with an ACL tear. There’s room for this young staff and unit to improve on a macro level after ranking 13th in yards per play, 21st in total plays and 14th in points.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line

Hunt delivered for fantasy owners last year, due in part to a Nick Chubb injury. He also scored 5 times on 38 catches on a nearly 11% target share. If Odell Beckham stays healthy for most of 2021, it’ll be tough for Hunt to repeat that scoring rate.

While Hunt is a Nick Chubb injury away from RB1 value, he showed last year that he can provide value even with Chubb healthy. The problem is the former Chief is costly in summer drafts, with an ADP in Round 5.