RB Demetric Felton
Under 19.5 Rushing Yards
The Browns will likely be resting Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford, which means we should see John Kelly, Hassan Hall, Nate McCrary and Demetric Felton handle the RB snaps for the Hall of Fame Game. Kelly is expected to get the start and should see most of the work in the first half, while Hall should dominate work in the second half.
I’m guessing Felton mixes in with Kelly in the first half and will likely be handling return duties. The Browns already know what they have in Felton as he has been with the team for two seasons. He has operated as a WR at times but transitioned back into a full-time RB. Either way, I don’t expect him to see enough carries (probably needs 5-6) to clear this number.
I’m projecting his median closer to 15.5.
WR David Bell
Under 27.5 Receiving Yards
The main concern with Bell as a prospect was if he would be able to get enough separation at the NFL level. Sure enough, he struggled as a rookie, only drawing a target on 11% of his routes. He operated as the Browns' No. 3 receiver for much of the season, so the Browns already know what they have in Bell. That's a huge reason why they decided to trade for Elijah Moore.
Bell is a slot receiver who draws most of his targets underneath (6.6. aDOT) which means he could need three or four receptions to even clear this number. Browns QBs Kellen Mond and Dorian Thompson-Robinson are going to scramble at a high rate, making it less likely they check down to a player like Bell.
As of now, I’m not expecting Elijah Moore, Jaelon Darden or Jakeem Grant will suit up. If any of them was a surprise active, which could happen, it would only lower Bell’s chances of clearing this number.
I’m projecting his median closer to 22.5.
WR Alex Erickson
Under 27.5 Receiving Yards
Erickson cleared this number in all three preseason games last year with Washington, but I think this number is a bit high given the uncertainty of the Jets' WR rotation for this game. Erickson is a veteran who the Jets already have plenty of film on. His best chance to make the team would be as a kick/punt returner, so we could see him handle those at times in this game.
My guess is that we will see Jason Brownlee, Irvin Charles and Xavier Gipson get extended run in the game as all three, especially Brownlee, have impressed at camp and it makes sense for the Jets to give them the most run here.
Erickson will either be playing with the starters and Zach Wilson for roughly a quarter, or with Chris Streveler, who's going to scramble a ton, or Tim Boyle, who has a 55.4% completion percentage and 5.4 yards per attempt average in preseason over 195 attempts. Erickson is typically a WR who is targeted underneath and may need 3-4 receptions to clear this.
I'm projecting his median closer to 22.5.
