When considering No. 2 running backs around the league, there aren't many (any?) better than Kareem Hunt. If Nick Chubb should get hurt, Hunt is one of those guys who could win fantasy leagues -- he'd probably be an every-snap guy on a roster where the next-in-line guys are Dontrell Hilliard and D'Ernest Johnson. And he might be a solid choice even if Chubb stays healthy.
In his three years in the league (seems like longer), Hunt has been one of the league's best receiving backs -- both in Kansas City for two seasons, and in his half-season with the Browns. He's averaged over 3 catches for 32 yards, which slots him up with the league's very best receiving backs over that time frame. That's among players with at least 32 games (as a starter or 3rd-down back).
| RUNNING BACK RECEIVING/GAME, 2017-2019 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | St | Rec | Yds |
| Christian McCaffrey | 48 | 6.3 | 52.6 |
| Alvin Kamara | 42 | 5.5 | 47.4 |
| LeVeon Bell | 42 | 5.4 | 41.2 |
| David Johnson | 40 | 4.0 | 41.2 |
| James White (3rd) | 61 | 4.5 | 39.0 |
| Chris Thompson (3rd) | 46 | 3.7 | 32.7 |
| Tarik Cohen (3rd) | 48 | 4.2 | 32.1 |
| Kareem Hunt | 35 | 3.3 | 31.9 |
| Duke Johnson (3rd) | 48 | 3.4 | 31.9 |
| Melvin Gordon | 53 | 3.6 | 31.7 |
| Todd Gurley | 60 | 3.3 | 31.7 |
| Theo Riddick (3rd) | 40 | 4.2 | 30.0 |
| Jalen Richard (3rd) | 32 | 3.3 | 29.1 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 56 | 3.4 | 28.9 |
| Leonard Fournette | 36 | 3.7 | 28.0 |
| Devonta Freeman | 44 | 3.4 | 27.0 |
| Nyheim Hines (3rd) | 32 | 3.3 | 23.3 |
| LeSean McCoy | 45 | 3.2 | 23.2 |
| Giovani Bernard (3rd) | 52 | 2.7 | 21.6 |
| Tevin Coleman | 54 | 2.0 | 20.7 |
| Joe Mixon | 44 | 2.5 | 19.8 |
| Mark Ingram | 58 | 2.6 | 19.6 |
| Lamar Miller | 44 | 2.1 | 15.4 |
| Isaiah Crowell | 45 | 2.0 | 14.5 |
| Matt Breida | 39 | 1.6 | 14.1 |
| Frank Gore | 52 | 1.7 | 13.7 |
| Carlos Hyde | 52 | 2.0 | 11.3 |
| Jordan Howard | 54 | 1.4 | 10.8 |
| Derrick Henry | 61 | 0.9 | 8.4 |
| Peyton Barber | 32 | 1.1 | 6.5 |
| LeGarrette Blount | 48 | 0.5 | 3.2 |
As a nod to that ability, Hunt has been participating in virtual meetings with the team's wide receivers, according to pass game coordinator/wide receiver coach Chad O'Shea. These are virtual meetings, of course, so it's not as if he's actually out working as a wideout, but he's apparently a candidate for No. 3 receiver snaps, behind Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham. Rashard Higgins is probably the favorite, but if Hunt gets some of those chances, it will be easier for him to be a viable option even if Chubb stays healthy. Could be a very big role in the passing game, not only as a third-down back but possibly on the field even when Chubb is in the game as the main runner.
--Andy Richardson