Browns: Martin Emerson could be Week 1 starter at cornerback

Rookie cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was a bit of a surprise draft pick by the Cleveland Browns but now the young and talented player could be a Week 1 starter

The Cleveland Browns made a surprise first pick in this past year’s NFL Draft when they took cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. at No. 68 in the third round. The Mississippi State Bulldog is a very good prospect, but the Browns have a pretty strong cornerback room.

Cleveland selected Greg Newsome II in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and they already had Pro Bowler Denzel Ward as well. You add in fourth-year player Greedy Williams and third-year player A.J. Green and coming into training camp and the room seems full.

However, Emerson stands out for a variety of reasons including his versatility. Part of that comes from his height — a lanky 6-foot-2. That size has its benefits as the Browns can take advantage of mismatches against some smaller wide receivers in the NFL. Or they can line him up against some of the taller wideouts and they wouldn’t be at a disadvantage.

Going into training camp, Cleveland has worked Newsome in the slot position rather than the outside where he was a regular starter a year ago. Newsome had a good rookie campaign on the boundary, but the drafting of Emerson gives them more options.

When you start watching a film on Emerson, you see why the Browns had an attraction to the young player. He’s very aggressive, plays downhill, can track the ball, and closes quickly. His tackling was fundamentally sound and when he was tied with a blocker, he was able to get free and find the runner.

Some have looked at the fact he only had one interception and only 16 pass breakups in his three years at Mississippi State. But those numbers don’t tell the real story of what Cleveland is getting as a player. His aggressive play and attacking mode on a variety of highlights showcased that well.

With potential Newsome’s move inside, that leaves Emerson competing against Greedy Williams and AJ. Green for that outside job opposite of the other starter Denzel Ward. Green and Williams both have more experience, but could the Browns challenge the rookie and give him the start in Week 1?

My fellow DPD contributor Noah Weiskopf recently discussed Emerson’s upside to the team

Williams had a nice bounce-back season a year ago after sitting out all of 2020 due to a serious shoulder injury. He registered 40 tackles while intercepting two passes and forcing a fumble in 2021. Green was used more sparingly last season but made the most of his opportunities.

At this point at the beginning of training camp, Williams likely has the Week 1 starter job, but if Emerson plays as he did at Mississippi State, with that defensive speed and aggressive style along with that helpful versatility that he brings to a game, then you just might see him in that starting job sooner than later.