Jordan Hicks Named Browns’ Most Underrated Player Heading Into 2025 Season
As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2025 NFL season, one name stands out for quietly becoming a cornerstone of the defense: veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently named Hicks the most underrated player on the Browns roster, a title that reflects both his high-level performance and the often-overlooked impact he had during the 2024 campaign.
Signed to a modest two-year, $8 million deal before the 2024 season, Hicks was initially brought in as a depth piece behind emerging star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and veteran addition Devin Bush. However, when Owusu-Koramoah suffered a season-ending neck injury early in the year, Hicks was thrust into a much larger role. Rather than falter under pressure, the 32-year-old linebacker thrived, anchoring a defense that relied on his steady presence and leadership.
According to PFF, Hicks earned a top-10 overall grade among all NFL linebackers in 2024, finishing with a 77.4 grade — his highest since 2018. Even more impressively, he was one of just eight linebackers to finish with top-25 marks in both run defense (77.7) and coverage (70.0). In an era when linebackers are frequently tested in space and expected to play sideline to sideline, those balanced metrics highlight Hicks’ versatility and football IQ.
What made Hicks’ performance even more crucial was the instability around him. The Browns dealt with significant challenges at the linebacker position, including inconsistency from Bush and growing pains from rookie Carson Schwesinger. Through it all, Hicks remained the unit’s most reliable presence, consistently showing up in the right place at the right time, whether it was stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or organizing the defense pre-snap.
Hicks’ leadership also extended off the field. Known for his professionalism and preparation, he became a mentor to younger players and a calming influence in the locker room. His ability to seamlessly transition from a rotational player to the team’s defensive signal-caller speaks volumes about his experience and adaptability.
Despite his contributions, Hicks rarely draws headlines, which makes PFF’s recognition all the more significant. In a league where splash plays and flashy stats dominate the spotlight, Hicks embodies the type of player whose true value lies in the details — consistent tackling, smart angles, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the game.
As the Browns aim to build on their playoff hopes in 2025, having a dependable veteran like Hicks will be key. With Owusu-Koramoah on the road to recovery and Schwesinger continuing to develop, Hicks provides the bridge between potential and production. While others may grab the headlines, Hicks has quietly become one of the Browns’ most important defenders — and now, thanks to PFF, he’s finally getting the credit he deserves.
At nearly 33 years old, Jordan Hicks is proving that experience, intelligence, and consistency are just as valuable as raw athleticism. In a talented Browns defense full of stars, Hicks is the underrated glue holding it all together.
