Cleveland Browns: 4 players who must step up vs. Washington

S Ronnie Harrison

Now in Week 3, it is time for the Browns to deploy their recently acquired safety Ronnie Harrison on the defensive side of the ball. With the injuries at safety and linebacker for the Browns, the size and versatility will become a much-needed asset off the coast of Lake Erie as they look for massive improvements to the defensive side of the ball.

Veteran safety Andrew Sendejo has not been a great asset to the team, playing in a role the team did not envision for him when he was signed. However, the injury to second-round pick Grant Delpit was on the path to be the starting free safety before he tore his Achilles during training camp, causing the Browns to pivot.

One of the smartest moves after the injury to Delpit was spending a fifth-round pick on the 2018 third-rounder in Harrison. While he may not have been up to code on the scheme and playbook through the first two weeks with his new team, defensive coordinator Joe Woods said he envisions Harrison getting his work in on Sunday against Washington.

He can play over the top, in the box, and has the ability to match up against tight ends; these are all traits safeties in Cleveland have been missing for years. As the Browns need to, for one, get healthy on the defensive side of the ball, and also get better, Harrison needs to step into a significant role for Woods in Week 3.