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Cleveland Browns completely overhauled defense heading into 2021

By J.T. Soderlund

Sep 20, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Sep 21, 2019; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Greg Newsome II (2) breaks up a pass meant for Michigan State Spartans wide receiver C.J. Hayes (4) during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

The Browns spent their first-round selection on Greg Newsome II in the 2021 NFL draft. He should immediately become the outside cornerback to play opposite Denzel Ward. Along with Newsome, the Browns also signed prolific slot cornerback Troy Hill in free agency.

Greedy Williams was supposed to start opposite of Ward last season, but a shoulder injury sidelined him for the entirety of the 2020 season. He will also have many opportunities to see the field, given that his injury recovery continues to progress nicely.

Ward, Newsome, and Hill will likely be the combination of cornerbacks that most often sees the field next season, but the Browns also have Williams as a nice rotational piece to give those players a rest during games.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah excels in slot coverage so he can also manage the slot receivers while Hill takes a breather.

The Browns, except for a few, young cornerstone players, have a completely different defense than they did just one season ago. They have added a plethora of high-quality talent, young, promising prospects, and nice depth pieces to their defensive roster. The defense that was middle-of-the-pack last season will likely be a top-5 defense next year.

Next. Browns 5 most important additions this offseason. dark

Joe Woods and the Browns defense underwhelmed last season but most of that was due to injuries and a lack of versatile players. Woods now has everything that he needs to succeed next season and help lead the Browns on a deep playoff run.

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