Cleveland Browns: Evaluating the Browns safeties
By Dan Justik
Derron Smith
The Browns signed Derron Smith off the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in November of last year. The move was because of an injury to Campbell and the Browns needed to add depth to the position.
He appeared in seven games for the Browns, mostly on special teams. He made four tackles and has a career total of 17 tackles in three seasons in the NFL. For him to make the Browns roster, he has to show his value on special teams.
Justin Currie
Justin Currie was initially signed to the Browns practice squad in December of 2016. But after multiple transactions with him and the team in 2017, he appeared in three games for the team.
Currie is another Browns safety that prefers playing in the box more than playing as a deep safety. He compiled five tackles and one sack for the team in 2017. But with Kindred and Peppers already on the roster and likely to be locks to make the roster, it will be hard for Currie to make the roster as safety. The Browns do not have the best depth at linebacker, and he could try to steal a roster spot from one of the more true linebackers.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun
Briean Boddy-Calhoun has been a solid slot corner for the Browns. But after the Browns added six cornerbacks this offseason, Boddy-Calhoun might not see a lot of time at cornerback. Adding him to this part of the list is because his spot at cornerback is not guaranteed, but if he becomes a versatile defensive back, he has a better shot of making the roster.
Next: Taking a deeper look at the Browns running backs
During OTA’s Boddy-Calhoun has been working at safety. It makes sense for both sides. The Browns do not have great depth of coverage safeties and Boddy-Calhoun would be solid depth if something were to happen to Randall. And for Boddy-Calhoun, being able to do more is better with the amount of turnover that has happened in the secondary.