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Cleveland Browns 2017 training camp position preview: The cornerbacks

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the fourth quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the fourth quarter between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Giants won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns had an absolutely miserable 2016 in the secondary, and now the team is seeking to repair the unit beginning with the cornerback position.

The Cleveland Browns surrendered 249.8 passing yards per game in 2016, a number that must be improved upon if the defense wants to return to the conversation of relevancy. While the scheme under former defensive coordinator Ray Horton was undeniably unfriendly to a defense trying to slow down opposing passing attacks, the players themselves are partially to blame in addition.

The cornerbacks group especially had their share of rough days on the field in 2016. Getting it turned around starts with them.

Related: Can the Browns rely on Joe Haden?

The major problem when it comes to Cleveland cornerbacks is that Joe Haden isn’t getting any younger, and doesn’t seem top be getting any healthier. While fans continue to view him as a reliable defender in the secondary, the reality is that the 28-year-old’s decline is rapidly increasing.

May 24, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) drops a pass during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun (20) drops a pass during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Haden will still cover the top opposing receivers in all likelihood, but he will no longer be alone in the secondary. Cleveland made a significant move this offseason in adding Jason McCourty to the roster, an eight-year veteran of the Tennessee Titans. McCourty will join Jamar Taylor, who was a pleasant surprise in his first year in town.

Between Haden, Taylor and McCourty, the Browns are hoping to gain some veteran stability at the position.

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Related: What adding Jason McCourty means to the Browns

Behind these presumed starters will be some young players who have had some playing time in the past.

Briean Boddy-Calhoun made the most of the opportunities he has been given last season but he still has to prove that he can repeat the success he had. His experience, even if it is somewhat limited, will prove valuable if the need for a return to the starting lineup surfaces.

Besides these top four cornerbacks, the remaining spot or two on the roster will be battled for by several rookies and offseason additions. Among the group that bears watching are undrafted free agents Najee Murray out of Kent State, Kai Nacua out of BYU and Channing Stribling out of Michigan, along with draft pick Howard Wilson out of Houston, although he is still recovering from a knee injury.

Next: Browns 2017 camp preview: The safeties

Adding McCourty will provide some relief to a secondary who has been plagued by injuries and inexperience. Expect improvement from this unit in 2017 under a new scheme, but there isn’t much reason to believe that Haden or another member of the position group will be earning a Pro Bowl selection any time soon.

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