Cleveland Browns: Former UDFA Set for Full-Time Role in 2025

The Cleveland Browns currently have one of the two starting safety positions locked in, with Grant Delpit taking charge as the strong safety and leader of the bunch. The team brought in two veterans this offseason, Rayshawn Jenkins and Damontae Kazee, to compete for the free safety spot. Both players will face off against a former undrafted free agent.

Also Read: Cleveland Browns: Host Experienced Defensive Back With 89 Starts

Cleveland Browns’ former UDFA had an increased role in 2024

Ronnie Hickman Jr. played a larger role on defense in his second season and filled in as the starter when Juan Thornhill missed time. He recorded 45 tackles, one TFL, and one pass deflection, allowing a 60.9% completion percentage, 212 passing yards, one touchdown, and a 105.7 passer rating in 14 games and five starts. Hickman missed Weeks 6-8 with an ankle injury. 

Now that Thornhill is gone, he looks to replace him in the starting lineup and full-time responsibilities.

Also Read: Cleveland Browns: Cut Struggling Defensive Starter After 2 Seasons

Cleveland Browns’ former UDFA set for full-time role in 2025

Ronnie Hickman Jr. has taken the early lead in the free safety competition, receiving first-team reps. According to Chris Easterling of The Akron Beacon Journal, the former undrafted free agent could secure the starting job in training camp. Easterling suggests that Hickman needs to become a ball hawk if he wants to play a full-time role in 2025 and beyond.

“It feels like Hickman’s in position to have a season in which he could lock down a starting job instead of sharing the role. That’s going to depend a lot on him making plays from that deep safety spot beyond the one interception — which went for a touchdown in the 2023 playoff-clinching win over the New York Jets — he has in his career to date. That’s where the breakthrough really could show up for the former Ohio State standout,” Easterling said.

Jim Schwartz praised Ronnie Hickman Jr. for his physical transformation

“You know, [he] showed really good flashes as a rookie and he played well when he was on the field last year, but we just need him on the field a little bit more,” Schwartz said, via Easterling. “He’s a little bit bigger now. I don’t know if you guys noticed him, you know, physical stature, he’s a little bit more and he’s still moving just as well.

“And I tell players all the time we want guys as big as they can [be], running the fastest that they can. Basically means that is if you put weight on and it slows you down or size on, it slows you down, that wasn’t a good weight to add. But he’s maintained his movement metrics while gaining a little bit. I think that’ll help him.”

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