Friday March 29th, 2024 8:52AM

Dogs' Nick Chubb headed to Cleveland; Lorenzo Carter drafted by Giants

By The Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Cleveland Browns used the No. 35 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft on Friday to take bruising Georgia running back Nick Chubb, who ran for 1,345 yards last season, two years after suffering a knee injury.

The pick was announced by Browns legend Jim Brown, the franchise's all-time leading rusher.

"I have no questions about this guy," said vice president of player personnel Alonzo Highsmith, who compared Chubb to former All-Pro Jamal Lewis. "Just give him the ball."

The Browns traded their third second-round pick, No. 64 overall, to Indianapolis for the No. 67 pick and took Miami defensive end Chad Thomas. Cleveland also received a sixth-round pick from the Colts.

If football doesn't pan out, Thomas has a music career to fall back on. He plays nine instruments and has produced for hip-hop artists, including Rick Ross.

For the Browns, the first two days have provided a chance to bolster a roster that failed to produce a win last season. They've been bold, taking quarterback Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 pick, and feel much better about their future.

"The main thing is that we have improved," said assistant general manager Eliot Wolf. "You set out to improve every single day. We feel like we have done that. Obviously, if we go out and do not win a game, then none of this means anything. Anyone can win in March or April."

As the league's lowest scoring team last season, the Browns needed playmakers. Chubb gives them another and he joins a running back group that includes free-agent signee Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson, Cleveland's best offensive player last season.

At 227 pounds, Chubb can run inside and he's quick enough to turn the corner for a big gain. He scored 15 touchdowns last season finished his career with 4,769 yards, second in SEC history to Herschel Walker.

"When you play running back in the SEC, you have to be able to create between the tackles with your feet and you have to be able to play a physical style of football, and Nick Chubb exemplifies all of that in his running style," Highsmith said. "Not only is he a great football player, he's a tremendous person, tremendous individual, tremendous leader and he exemplifies what we're trying to build here in Cleveland.

CARTER DRAFTED BY GIANTS: New York took edge-rushing linebacker Lorenzo Carter of Georgia with the 66th pick overall on Friday.

The 6-foot-5 Carter had 165 tackles and 14½ sacks in 54 games with the Bulldogs. He forced seven fumbles, recovered six and had 54 pressures.

"He played his best football in his biggest games," Shurmur said. "That's what really showed up. Special teams, he'll have an immediate impact there."
Gettleman said the Giants tried to trade up to get him and could not get a deal done. They still got him.

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