Cleveland Browns: The 2016 cornerbacks
The Cleveland Browns have many players competing for spots in the defensive secondary for the 2016 season.
Heading into the 2016 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns had many holes to fill and after releasing Pro Bowl SS Donte Whitner and allowing Pro Bowl FS Tashaun Gipson to leave, the defensive backfield was one of the bigger holes.
In 2015 the Cleveland browns were ranked 22nd against the pass in the NFL. The last time Ray Horton was the Browns defensive coordinator he had the them ranked 8th against the pass. Also, it is only fair to mention that they also ranked 8th in 2014. With the Browns losing two starters and the fact some of the young talent acquired in previous drafts did not live up to expectations, it will be hard to determine how the Browns will do against the pass this season.
The Browns did address the pass rush big time in this year’s draft and free agency. This renewed dedication to getting to the opposing quarterback could only help the depleted backfield return to top-ten form. Ray Horton had this backfield playing at a high level with virtual unknowns, so maybe he can do the same again.
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The Browns currently have 18 players competing for a position in the secondary. Not all will make the team while some will be starters and others will be back ups/special team players, or even members of the practice squad. Of the different secondary positions, cornerback boasts the most players with 10, leaving seven to compete for the safety positions. Some of the listed cornerbacks on the roster may try a position change to safety to better their chance of making the team.
Horton has plenty of competition for limited spots but just how good is that competition? Starting with the biggest group, the cornerbacks, who has the best chance to make the team?
Next: Haden and Gilbert