Cleveland Browns: 5 rookies primed to make immediate impact in 2022
By John Suchan
Rookie No. 4: Martin Emerson, CB
The Browns have a solid group of cornerbacks including Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, and Greg Newsome, who they drafted a year ago. They surprised some when they selected Martin Emerson with their first pick in this past draft. The youngster out of Mississippi State will get opportunities early in the season.
He has excellent size for the position standing close to 6-foot-2. He had a nice career at Mississippi State where he had a knack to be around the ball and racked up the tackles. He has good speed and excellent length to help defend his opponents.
Evin with Williams, Newsome, Ward, and A.J. Green getting snaps, Emerson will still likely see the field a lot as a rookie. There have been issues with the cornerbacks getting injured in the past, so that will be another way that Emerson might be thrown into the fire early in the year.
Rookie No. 3: Dawson Deaton, C
Dawson Deaton was the last player taken by the Browns in this year’s draft but could prove to be a very valuable member of the offensive line. Cleveland has had issues in keeping the line healthy.
On top of that, J.C Tretter was released and Nick Harris looks to replace him this season at center, but Deaton might still find himself needed a lot.
The former Texas Tech Raider team captain had a solid college career having started 35 games in his career and helping earn him 2nd Team All BigAll-Big 12 Honors.
He should be able to learn a lot this season from his offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The versatility of Deaton will also be a benefit to him potentially seeing the field more than some might think at this point right before training camp starts.