Cleveland Browns: 2016 depth chart predictions

If there is one area on the defense where the starters are not a question mark it would be a cornerback. Although this being the Browns even that comes with a caveat.

Joe Haden is still recovering from off-season ankle surgery after appearing in just five games in 2015. Haden has said he expects to be ready for the season, which if true puts him back in the No. 1 cornerback slot and allows Tramon Williams to move back into his more comfortable No. 2 role.

“The more guys we have that can compete and be ready to play for us, the better off we will be in the long run.” – Defensive backs coach Louie Cioffi

Williams did his best in Haden’s absence last season, but after nine years in the league, he is no longer up to the task of covering the opposing team’s top wide receiver for an entire game.

If Haden goes down with an injury, or age continues to catch up with Williams, the Browns have more options at cornerback than seems possible.

First up among the reserves is Pierre Desir, who appeared in 14 games last season, and Jamar Taylor, a draft-day acquisition who spent the past three seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He appeared in 33 games for Miami, totaling 82 tackles and zero interceptions. Charles Gaines, who made four starts as a rookie, and Trey Caldwell, a fifth-round draft choice this year, will also be in the mix as the Browns look for someone who can give them reliable depth at the position.

While there are some Browns fans who still cling to the fantasy that Justin Gilbert, a first-round selection in 2014, will somehow transform into a Pro Bowl corner under Ray Horton, the reality of training camp and the preseason will tell a different tale. Gilbert will make the final roster thanks to his $7.5 million dead cap number, but will once again spend the season as one of the league’s highest-paid kick returners.

When the Browns go to a nickel situation, third-year defensive back K’Waun Williams will be more than capable, providing he rebounds from the concussion that limited him to 13 games last season.

“I’m excited about this group,” defensive backs coach Louie Cioffi told the team’s website. “It’s a very young group with two veterans, really. There’s a lot of opportunity for guys, both at the nickel position and the corner position. The more guys we have that can compete and be ready to play for us, the better off we will be in the long run.”

Next: The Safeties