Grading Cleveland Browns position groups before free agency and draft
By Clay Goodwin
Cornerbacks: B+
Cleveland has one of the league’s best young corners in Denzel Ward. He was absolutely dominant in his rookie year, and still had a solid year in 2019 despite injuries. He is capable of taking away the opposing team’s best player or an entire half of the field.
The other starting corner last season was rookie Greedy Williams. Williams was projected by many to be a first round draft pick, but somehow slid to the Browns at the 46th selection.
Williams had a solid year as a rookie, but certainly had rough patches. He sat out several games with a hamstring injury, which hurt the secondary. He also was beat often on routes. He needs to work on his fluidity out of his breaks and being physical with receivers.
Williams certainly has the traits to be a lockdown corner like Ward. He is tall and has blazing speed. Hopefully this offseason treats him and his body well going forward.
The Browns now need a nickel corner after letting T.J. Carrie go. They still have Terrance Mitchell, who is a solid corner, but he is better on the outside than in the slot. They will surely look to add one in free agency or the draft. Nickel corners are becoming more important as teams spread the ball out and line up three to five receivers.
If the Browns can add a solid corner to play the slot, this can be an elite group. Williams and Ward have to stay healthy and take the next step in order to be an elite duo. Great group, though. B+ and a chance to get higher.