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Cleveland Browns: 4 defensive players that will have improved stats in 2022

By Eddie McDonald

May 25, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) walks off the field during organized team activities at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (28) walks off the field during organized team activities at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Jan 3, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (20) reacts after a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns Player That Will Have Better Stats in 2022 No. 3

Greg Newsome II – Cornerback 

The 26th overall pick from last year’s NFL Draft had a pretty big role in 2021. In 2022, cornerback Greg Newsome II could be even better than he was as a rookie.

The Browns surprised some people last season when they drafted Newsome at 26 out of Northwestern as many didn’t think the team needed another cornerback, but now, I’m sure nobody is complaining. Newsome had a solid rookie campaign and seemed to get better every week.

Newsome played in 12 games, making 11 starts for the Browns in 2021. In those 12 games, Newsome compiled 37 tackles, 33 being solo and had nine passes defended. In pass coverage, he allowed 39 receptions on 62 targets (62.9%), surrendering 383 yards and just one touchdown. He played in 89 percent of the defensive snaps in games that he played in.

Last year, Newsome was used primarily outside, which is where he played in college. This year, Newsome could very well be the slot corner as he has been positioned there in OTAs. This will allow Greedy Williams to be utilized on the outside opposite Denzel Ward. The move to the inside is something Newsome is embracing and a move that will benefit him.

"“I think it’s a benefit toward me,” he said Wednesday at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. “I’ll be able to be around the ball a lot more. I’m definitely liking the inside. It’s going to be fun. I think I’ll be able to make some more plays, get some sacks and things like that.”"

This could be a very special season for the Browns and Greg Newsome can be a big part of that. A year of NFL experience will do wonders for the second-year cornerback out of Northwestern.

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