3 most surprising players through Browns first 4 games

2. Martin Emerson, Jr., CB

It might have been a little bit surprising to see the Browns trade back in the 2022 NFL Draft, especially since they were already without a pick in Round 1. Once they were finally on the clock at Pick No. 68, they made another unexpected move by selecting Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson, Jr.

With two first-round picks in Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome as well as Greedy Williams, who was taken in the second round back in 2019, this didn’t seem to be an area of need for Cleveland. However, that changed quickly as Williams was injured and has yet to make an appearance this season.

That opened the door for Emerson, who might have a stranglehold on the job now. According to PFF, he’s the 27th ranked corner in the league which is a huge plus for the Browns considering he’s the nickel-back at the moment.

In four games, Emerson has just one pass defended and nearly had a pick against the Steelers but what’s stood out is his physicality. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder looks — and plays — much bigger than that. It’s gotten him in trouble with flags but it’s also helped him hold his own in the passing game, while also being a force when coming up to defend the run.

Overall, the defensive backfield has struggled but Emerson has been a find.