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It was surprising when Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. wasn’t drafted in this year’s draft. But the Cleveland Browns snatched him up as a free agent and that has paid off as of late. With more injuries to the safety room, Hickman was thrust into action and has earned playing time even with Juan Thornhill back against the New York Jets.
Playing deep free safety was not a strength of his when in college but under the Browns defensive coaches he has grown. After the Browns got up 13-7 the Jets looked to strike back but instead, Hickman decided he would add to the lead taking his first career interception back for a Browns touchdown.
That pushed the lead to 20-7 Browns in the first quarter of a game where if Cleveland wins they clinch a playoff birth. The Jets offense has struggled this year and now the Browns pass rush can be set free.
Ronnie Pick-man 🚀#NYJvsCLE on @NFLonPrime, @WEWS & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/wzwM53D9aj
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 29, 2023