Pro Football Focus put together an all-undrafted team, and Cleveland found a spot on it thanks to safety Ronnie Hickman.
That’s the kind of recognition that fits a Browns roster with a history of turning undrafted players into real contributors. Names like Josh Cribbs, Taylor Gabriel, and Tashaun Gipson come to mind right away, but Hickman is the current-day example making the case.
PFF slotted Hickman in as one of the two starting safeties, alongside the Texans’ Reed Blankenship, and drew a clear contrast between the two. In Hickman’s case, the emphasis was on how quickly he’s climbed since entering the league.
“Ronnie Hickman Jr. brings a much different profile. At 24 years old, he is one of the youngest players on this roster and has steadily earned a larger role since entering the league.
After two productive seasons in a rotational capacity, Hickman claimed a starting job in 2025 and continued his ascent. He ranked among the top 10 safeties in both PFF coverage grade (75.3) and passer rating allowed (65.7) among 80 qualifying players.”
Cleveland’s safety room has more moving parts now with second-round pick Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the mix. He’s expected to work alongside Hickman and Grant Delpit rather than push either one aside immediately.
There’s also a contractual wrinkle to keep an eye on. Hickman was a restricted free agent and recently signed his tender, but if he reaches free agency next year and lands a major deal, the Browns could be in position to let McNeil-Warren step into a starting job.
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