Cleveland Browns: 15 best defensive backs of all time

Greatest defensive backs in Cleveland Browns history: #12. Anthony Henry

In 2001, the Browns found a great deal in the fourth round of the draft, as they selected Anthony Henry at No. 97 overall out of South Florida. The 6-foot-1, 208-pound defensive back played both cornerback and safety for the Bulls but was used strictly as a corner for the Browns.

As a rookie, he played in 16 games but only started two contests. Even with that being the case. the rookie had a fantastic season, finishing with 54 tackles, 17 pass defenses and 10 interceptions — one of which he took to the house for a touchdown.

Henry’s 10 picks that year tied Thom Darden for the most in a single season in team history. Darden accomplished the feat in 1978 and kept the record to himself until Henry’s rookie campaign in 2001.

For some reason, Browns head coach Butch Davis still didn’t have Henry as a full-time starter the following season, as he had only 10 starts in 16 games that year. Finally, in 2003 they made Henry a fixture in their starting 11.

He missed two games that season and had his least-productive year in the orange and brown. In his final year with Cleveland, he again proved to have a nose for the ball, as he had four interceptions and broke up 12 passes.

The ensuing offseason saw Henry leave in free agency, as he was given a lucrative deal with the Dallas Cowboys. He played five more seasons in the NFL and continued to be a playmaker on the outside. As for his days with the Browns, he ended up with 247 tackles, 17 interceptions, 49 pass breakups and three forced fumbles.