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Cleveland Browns: 5 options to replace Donte Whitner

By Thomas Moore

Sep 26, 2014; Norfolk, VA, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders safety Kevin Byard (20) returns a punt for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Foreman Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2014; Norfolk, VA, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders safety Kevin Byard (20) returns a punt for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Foreman Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) avoids a tackle from Cleveland Browns strong safety Ibraheim Campbell (30) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) avoids a tackle from Cleveland Browns strong safety Ibraheim Campbell (30) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The first opportunity could go to second-year safety Ibraheim Campbell, the team’s fourth-round draft pick in 2015 out of Northwestern.

Campbell appeared in 15 games for the Browns last fall and looked good in his lone start – a nine-tackle effort against the Cincinnati Bengals. At the time of his selection, Campbell was described as a:

"Trusted and respected four-year starter. Aggressive tendencies near the football. Springs into his tackles with authority, and looks to rip the ball out of ball carrier’s arms with his unusually large hands. Created four forced fumbles and had three interceptions in just 56 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Does his job in run support, playing with leverage against perimeter runs and containment on back side. Coming from high to low, can mirror running back movement to shadow and hit. Adequate range and man coverage skills underneath. Praised by NFL scouts for his leadership and personal character. Plays on kick coverage and hands team against onside kicks."

While it may be a bit of a stretch to ask a former fourth-round pick from a school that is not known for its football, Campbell has a lot of the traits teams look for in strong safeties, and if his performance against the Bengals is any indication he is someone deserving of a longer look. In addition, he should benefit from going through a second year of OTAs and training camp with the team.

Even if the Browns are comfortable with giving Campbell the first shot at the starter’s role, they still need more than just one player at the position, which brings us to the draft.

Next: Ohio State's Vonn Bell

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