The Cleveland Browns have had several key players injured in 2023.
Fortunately, the backups and free agents stepped in and led the organization to nine wins.
One of those backups is rookie safety Ronnie Hickman.
Hickman got the nod and played like a veteran on Sunday in the absence of Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod.
In fact, the Ohio State freshman performed so well against the Chicago Bears that PFF gave Hickman a 90.6 grade (via PFF CLE Browns on Twitter).
This marks PFF’s highest-rated rookie in the NFL in Week 15.
In the Browns’ 20-17 win over the Bears, Hickman didn’t hesitate and collected five total tackles, including four solo stops.
Additionally, he blocked Justin Fields’ key pass late in the first half, preventing the Bears from scoring a field goal.
The New Jersey native came to Cleveland this year as an undrafted free agent out of OSU.
As good as “Rocket” Hickman was at the net, he was also a great lacrosse player in high school.
He was named a lacrosse All-American after his senior season and originally committed to play the sport at Rutgers University.
Hickman had second thoughts and went to play football at OSU.
After redshirting in 2019 and spending time on special teams in 2020, the Rocket decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2023 NFL Draft as he performed well for the Buckeyes in 2021 and 2022.
Although not selected for the tournament, Hickman was a valuable reserve for Cleveland.
He totaled 12 tackles and two passes defensed in two starts this season.
