Just a few weeks ago, the Browns were at an inflection point in their season. They were three wins away from a playoff birth sitting at 8-5 and the injury bug struck the team again.
Cleveland's defense hadn't experienced many injuries up until that point, but they faced a scenario where three out of their four safeties were unavailable.
Veteran Rodney McLeod tore his biceps muscle early in the year and saw his season cut short, Juan Thornhill battled a calf injury all year and Grant Delpit tore his groin in Cleveland's win over Jacksonville.
The Browns were left with three question marks in the back end of their defense and were turning to two undrafted guys to fill the voids. D'Anthony Bell would hold down Grant Delpit's position and rookie Ronnie Hickman took over as the deep safety filling in for Thornhill.
Since taking over as the starter, Hickman has racked up 17 tackles, three passes defensed and one interception that he returned all the way for a touchdown.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hickman is playing at an elite level.
Hickman is currently ranked fourth out of 97 safeties with a grade of 90.2. Although he's played only one-third of someone who is a full-time starter, he is making the most of his chances.
In Week 17 against the New York Jets, Hickman received a 92.6 PFF grade which was not only the best among rookies, but the best grade among all safeties.
PFF isn't a perfect system, they make mistakes every week but what is undeniable is how well Hickman is playing. Losing your safeties could have derailed the entire season for the Browns, but Hickman has elevated his play and made the most of his opportunity.
Andrew Berry found a diamond in the rough and the former Ohio State Buckeye is helping lead the Browns to the playoffs.
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