Cleveland Browns cornerback AJ Green: from undrafted into contributor

After going undrafted in 2020 and signing with the Cleveland Browns, cornerback AJ Green has developed into a really nice young player and contributor.

After Cleveland Browns cornerback AJ Green went undrafted in 2020 the Browns signed him to then record-setting undrafted free agent deal. There was just something about the player that caught the eye of general manager Andrew Berry. The 6-foot-2 corner just had some raw talent the Browns believed would one day make him a solid player in the NFL.

In 2020, Green only saw the field in two games and spent most of the season on the practice squad or the inactive list come Sundays. It was clear that he wasn’t ready to play but also the Browns wanted to develop him after seeing him in camp and practice. Well, this season Green got his chance to show what he could do, and he took full advantage of the opportunity.

Green played in a total of 12 games, including one start, and had snaps thrust on him due to multiple injuries at the position during the season. Green showcased great vision, reaction speed, and physicality against bigger receivers.

When you go back and watch the film of Green’s snaps the first thing you realize is his name isn’t called a lot. For a cornerback that’s a good thing signifying that despite being out there he wasn’t targeted often by opposing quarterbacks.

Another thing that you notice when watching Green is that even when he is targeted he is almost always in a position to make a play on the ball, or prevent yards after the catch. He finished with six passes defended, one interception, and one fumble recovery.

When the pressure was on Green to step up and make plays he was ready for the challenge. Green only played 176 defensive snaps but as the fifth corner on the roster, he wasn’t a liability, and that is all you can ask for from your depth players.

AJ Green is a classic story of being patient with young players that just might not be ready to contribute right out of college. He needed a year to learn, be coached, and understand the differences the NFL has over College football. He is smart, quick, athletic, and confident while he is out on the football field.

Whether it is going up against guys like Mike Williams of the Chargers or Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals, Green goes in confident that he is up to the challenge of covering him. 2022 may see yet another jump in the career of Cleveland Browns’ cornerback AJ Green.