Cleveland Browns Claim a Corner Off of Waivers

The Browns made a roster move by claiming cornerback Jordan Poyer off of waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles, waiving Julian Posey who appeared in one game.  Poyer was initially drafted in the seventh round by the Eagles, which was considered a surprise by many draft analysts.  According to Joe Reedy, The NFL beat writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cincinnati Bengals had also put in a claim for Poyer, but the Browns had higher priority.

Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jordan Poyer (33) during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Panthers 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The move is interesting because when Poyer came out of Oregon State, he looked like a nice potential slot corner.  He showed pretty good movement skills and the ability to play in man coverage.  Poyer was able to make a lot of plays on the ball in the Big XII and had 11 interceptions over the past two seasons.  He is willing to play physically in coverage and get his hands on opposing receivers, but appears to suffer from sort of allergy when it comes to tackling.  It is unclear if he breaks out in hives or some sort of rash, but if he is not able to make a play on the football, he seems uninterested in the play.  It is unclear if that is the reason he dropped in the draft, but it certainly could have played a part.

That becomes a problem for playing him on the outside and on run downs, but he could potentially bring a contribution in nickel or dime packages in obvious passing situations.  That is important to note because Chris Owens has been mediocre at best in the nickel corner spot for the Browns with his biggest contributions coming on blitzes while Leon McFadden has not seen the field much in coverage.  McFadden suffered injuries in camp and preseason that likely set him back, but nothing about that situation breeds any confidence at this point and could address again in May.  Poyer gives them another body that can compete in that capacity.  He also has experience as a punt returner, but the Browns are set there with Travis Benjamin.