Hughes is listed as the starting nose tackle for Sunday's matchup against Baltimore, ESPN's Tony Grossi reports. Hughes should see a high volume of snaps, as regular starter Ahytba Rubin (ankle) is inactive for the contest. He hasn't seen the field since Week 8, but injuries will thrust the 26-year-old defensive tackle into a much more prominent role. Hughes will likely be used primarily as a run-stuffer, limiting his potential to rack up tackles, and thus his IDP value. He's collected just 10 combined tackles over four games this season.

Browns third-rounder John Hughes has been elevated to the first team next to Ahtyba Rubin. Veteran Scott Paxson had spent the offseason and early camp running with the first team. It's a good sign that Hughes, a pick questioned by the draftnik community, is impressing the coaching staff as Phil Taylor's (pectoral) early-season replacement. The Browns defense will remain a godsend for opposing fantasy backs, however.

The Akron Beacon-Journal considers third-round rookie John Hughes the front-runner for a starting defensive tackle job. Phil Taylor (pectoral) is out indefinitely, leaving a sizable hole next to Ahtyba Rubin. Scott Paxson ran with the starters for most of minicamp, but he's just a backup-caliber journeyman. GM Tom Heckert sees Hughes as a run-stuffer.

The Browns have been impressed with third-round pick DT John Hughes during OTAs. The Browns drafted Hughes with the idea of using him as a rotational tackle, but with Phil Taylor (torn pectoral) expected to start the season on PUP, either Hughes or Billy Winn will be forced to start alongside Ahtyba Rubin. Browns GM Tom Heckert indicated he doesn't feel compelled to sign a veteran to upgrade the position.

Browns agreed to terms with No. 87 overall pick DT John Hughes on a four-year contract.

The Browns plan to use third-round DT John Hughes in a rotation with starters Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. Coordinator Dick Jauron believes Taylor and Rubin played way too many snaps last year. Hughes is valued for his versatility, as he can play both the one-technique and the three-technique. The third round still seems like a reach for an admitted backup.

Browns third-round DT John Hughes planned his draft party for Saturday, believing he'd be no better than a third-day pick. Hughes and his camp were apparently stunned when the Browns took him 87th overall. Hughes' high school coach didn't even think he'd be drafted. The Akron Beacon-Journal called the Hughes pick "baffling" with receivers such as Chris Givens, T.Y. Hilton, Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, and Nick Toon still on the board.