Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: Gareon Conley
By Kirk Binder
As the 2017 NFL Draft is less than a week away we look at a player who could help the cornerback position for the Cleveland Browns.
As mentioned time and time again, the Cleveland Browns had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. While they do have quality cornerbacks in Joe Haden and Jamar Taylor, they could add another in today’s pass-happy NFL. Gareon Conley could be a great addition.
When talking about the Browns and their secondary it is usually the safety position that gets the attention. While true that Cleveland has bigger needs at safety, they could still use depth at cornerback.
Joe Haden was once considered one of the best CB’s in the NFL a short while ago, however, injuries have limited him. Haden has missed a total of 14 games over the past two seasons due to injury. Last year he did play in 13 games but played through groin issues that hampered his ability. When healthy he is a quality corner but health is now an issue.
Cleveland acquired Jamar Taylor from the Miami Dolphins last season. This turned out to be a great trade for the Browns. Taylor showed the talent that led him to be a second-round selection in the 2013 Draft. Pro Football Focus named Taylor as the most improved defensive player in the NFL in 2016.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun was a undrafted free agent that made the team. He played well and showed that he belongs. He started 7 games and had three interceptions to go with 11 pass breakups. For an unknown player coming into the season, he did not look out of place.
After these three true CBs, the well gets dry. They cut veteran Tramon Williams in the offseason and did not get enough of a look at fitth-round pick Trey Caldwell.
The Browns enter the 2017 needing both depth and quality at the cornerback position.