Cleveland Browns visiting with USC cornerback Iman Marshall
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns are finishing up their visits with 2019 NFL Draft prospects, which includes USC cornerback Iman Marshall on Tuesday.
Teams across the entire NFL are getting their final looks at the 2019 NFL Draft prospects with the draft just over a week away. That includes the Cleveland Browns, who brought in USC cornerback Iman Marshall in for a visit Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Marshall played four seasons for the Trojans, but missed three games in 2017 and played 11 games in 2018. In 48 total games at USC, Marshall made 218 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, six interceptions, and 36 passes defended.
The defensive back is seen as a potential middle round selection, with his ceiling being a Day Two pick. Garafolo mentioned that Marshall is viewed as a versatile player who could play either safety or cornerback, despite primarily playing cornerback in college.
USC DB Iman Marshall is visiting the #Browns today. Has visited and/or worked out for other teams, including the #Rams, #Bears, #Bucs, #Chiefs, #Dolphins, #Raiders, #Colts. Versatile guy who can play S and CB. Has a good shot at being a Day 2 pick.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 16, 2019
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The Browns are in need of depth at both positions after multiple departures in the defensive backfield this offseason. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein echoed Garafolo’s belief that Marshall could play safety, but Zierlein thinks Marshall might have to move to safety in the NFL.
"Physical four-year starter at cornerback who might need to prepare for a move to safety due to a lack of functional long speed and athleticism. Marshall’s size and play strength made life challenging on Pac-12 receivers, but he lacks the foot quickness and technique to stay connected to more refined NFL targets. While he could be in consideration for Cover-2 defenses, his ability to cover tight ends and handle run-support duties make him a natural candidate for a transition to safety. – Lance Zierlein"
Although the Browns do lack some depth at safety, their current depth at cornerback is concerning. They have a solid top three with Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell, and T.J. Carrie. But behind those three, there is a drop off in talent.
The next three cornerbacks on the roster are Phillip Gaines, Tavierre Thomas, and Juston Burris. All three are special teams players, although Gaines and Burris do have some starting experience. This offseason, the Browns decided to let E.J. Gaines leave in free agency and also cut Howard Wilson.
Because of their lack of depth at cornerback, the Browns may be preparing to use one of their earlier selections on the position. Considering they do not have too many needs to address, they could see cornerback as their biggest need.
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A player who can play both safety and cornerback would be an added bonus for the Browns. Instead of dipping into the safety pool as well as the cornerback pool, adding a versatile player like Marshall and saving a pick could be intriguing for the Browns front office.