Cleveland Browns re-sign safety Ronnie Harrison despite disappointing 2021 campaign
By Jacob Roach
Ronnie Harrison had a strong 2020 for the Cleveland Browns after being traded from Jacksonville then struggled in 2021 what does this signing mean for 2022?
The news broke Friday afternoon that the Cleveland Browns and safety Ronnie Harrison, Jr. had agreed to a one-year deal to keep him in Cleveland. The Browns originally acquired Harrison from Jacksonville in 2020 for a fifth-round pick, Harrison is a former third-round pick.
This move makes a lot of sense from a scheme standpoint as defensive coordinator Joe Woods likes to use a lot of three safety formations.
Ronnie Harrison started off his Browns career in 2020 with a solid season, allowing just one touchdown reception against him while providing great run support. Harrison lives as a big athletic safety that can slide down into the box, scheme fit-wise he is a really good fit. Harrison dealt with some injuries that year but his impact when he was on the field was evident.
Most thought he would build off of that campaign and grow in 2021 especially as the Browns upgraded the other safety spot with John Johnson III. But Harrison struggled last season, allowing six touchdowns in coverage after just the one the previous season. Harrison was flagged for a few really ugly penalties including one that got him ejected in the season opener against the Chiefs.
At times Harrison’s effort in coverage was in question and he allowed a 113.0 passer rating when targeted this past season. In coverage and with the penalties it was clear that Harrison made a few mental mistakes and sometimes at times when the Browns could not afford it.
Despite a really tough year in coverage, Harrison was still a pretty effective player in the box against the run game. He was one of the Browns’ better defensive backs when it came to his play against the run. Harrison was able to make four tackles for loss from his safety position while only missing three tackles all season.
The bright side is Harrison is still very young and has the talent if he can put it all together, he will be just 25 when the season starts. Harrison has shown flashes in both Jacksonville and Cleveland, especially in run support.
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If Harrison can clean up the mental mistakes and return to 2020 form in coverage this could be a solid move for the Browns.