Browns hidden gem is bursting onto the scene at the perfect time

Hickman showed these flashes in the preseason and it’s a big reason he made the team as an undrafted free agent. Hickman has played 48 percent of the team’s defensive snaps this season after stepping in to be the third safety when Rodney McLeod was lost for the season.

The former Buckeye has played significantly over the last four weeks and registered the first few starts of his career. Through the last four games, Hickman has 12 tackles, 3 passes defended, and an interception. Cleveland is 4-0 during that time.

Coming out of college, folks were worried about Hickman’s ability to play in coverage. He’s already proven he’s a capable contributor in coverage and is still the run-thumper he was in college.

Out of nowhere, Hickman has put himself in prime position to be the Browns’ No. 3 safety next season behind Juan Thornhill and Delpit. Ideally, if he can continue to improve, he eventually will take over for Thornhill.

Pro Football Focus has a 90.2 grade on the rookie right now and that is the fourth-best grade in the entire NFL. Sure, the sample size isn’t huge, but there is enough there to see that he’s a real player.

Opportunities have come about for many players on Cleveland’s roster during the 2023 season due to injuries, Hickman is one of them who has taken full advantage of the chance to prove himself.