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Cleveland Browns: T.J. Carrie gets first snaps with first-team defense

By Dan Justik

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Cornerback TJ Carrie #38 of the Oakland Raiders watches a pass fall to the ground on a misplayed route against wide receiver Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers in the end zone during the fourth quarter on December 20, 2015 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Packers won 30-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 20: Cornerback TJ Carrie #38 of the Oakland Raiders watches a pass fall to the ground on a misplayed route against wide receiver Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers in the end zone during the fourth quarter on December 20, 2015 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Packers won 30-20. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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In a competition that will last all preseason long, the former Oakland Raiders cornerback was the first to get starting reps with the first-team defense.

One of the biggest position battles to watch during Cleveland Browns training camp was who would be starting opposite of Denzel Ward.

Between T.J. Carrie and E.J. Gaines, both have plenty of starting experience and both had solid seasons in 2017. But the first one to get on the field with Ward during the first training camp practice was Carrie, according to 24/7 Sports’ Fred Greetham.

The Browns signed Carrie to a four-year, $31 million contract in March. With the investment in Carrie, it seemed that the Browns were planning on making Carrie one of their two starters.

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Last season with Oakland, Carrie made 84 tackles and nine passes defended after starting 15 of the 16 games that he played. In his four-year career, Carrie has made 202 total tackles, three forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 30 passes defended.

One of Carrie’s best attributes is how well he tackles. In March, Carrie explained that he feels that is one ability that let’s the coaches count on him when he is on the field – via WKYC’s Matthew Florjancic.

"“Tackling is definitely a strength and an ability that I feel like I bring to the table, within the defensive scheme to count on me and to depend on me to come up and make that tackle versus the running back or the fullback or a tight end out in the flat. I think that brings an asset of value.”"

After how quickly Cleveland jumped on Carrie during free agency this year, the Browns must have felt that Carrie would fit well into Gregg Williams’ aggressive, press-man defense.

Carrie’s biggest competition for the starting job during training camp will be Gaines. Gaines has experience in Williams’ defense, which could help him feel more confident on the field. After a very strong season in Buffalo, Gaines signed with Cleveland on a one-year, $4 million prove it deal, trying to receive a long term contract next off-season.

There is also a chance a new cornerback will be added to the competition before next week. The Browns will have free agent cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland and Adam Jones in for visits on Friday. Both have starting experience and if either are signed, they will likely join the fray for the second starting cornerback job.

Next. Biggest questions heading into Browns training camp. dark

Granted it was only Day One of training camp, both Carrie and Gaines are going to receive a lot of reps with the first team defense. But Carrie receiving the first-team reps during the first practice is pretty notable.

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