Even though the Browns front seven is becoming a strong group, their secondary still needs some work. Once upon a time, Joe Haden was a Pro Bowler. Hell, once upon a time, it looked like the Browns might have one of the NFL’s top defenses. Spoiler alert: that never came to fruition. But in the Browns current rebuilding process, it seems that they’re looking to build up this secondary. So, let’s take a look at what the depth chart might be for the Browns cornerback crew.
Cleveland Browns Cornerback Depth Chart Projections
1. Joe Haden
Yeah, yeah. Old Joe Haden isn’t all that he used to be. Despite what his hilariously large contract might tell you, Haden is no longer a shut-down cornerback. In an odd mix of the injury bug striking time and time again, and peaking really early in his career, Haden has been having a really rough go since 2015. However, and this might be somewhat telling of this Browns secondary, he is still the top cornerback.
Joe Haden is absolutely the de facto leader of this Cleveland Browns cornerback group. First off, he’s definitely the most experienced of the group. Haden came out of Florida in 2010 and is already 28 years old. With the Browns always wanting to get younger and rid themselves of big contracts recently, it’s almost a wonder that they haven’t listened to any trade offers for Haden yet. But hey, maybe in the future.
2. Briean Boddy-Calhoun
Now, don’t get me wrong. Briean Boddy-Calhoun still has a lot to learn. However, he is, without a doubt, the most intriguing of the Browns cornerbacks. Even though the man known as “BBC” didn’t start for the majority of 2016, he still shined through in his appearances. With all 32 teams passed on him in the 2016 NFL Draft, Boddy-Calhoun definitely has a chip on his shoulder. Even going into this season, Boddy-Calhoun isn’t guaranteed the starting job; that honor goes to Jamar Taylor. But many very rightfully believe that Boddy-Calhoun can snag that starter position in training camp this year. Sure, he didn’t get drafted, but neither did A.J. Bouye.
3. Jamar Taylor
When the Browns traded for Jamar Taylor from Miami, who knew that they’d be getting this? Coming out of his 10 starts with two picks and eight passes defended, Taylor was certainly a serviceable corner in 2016. How serviceable was he? Well, Cleveland gave him a 15 million dollar contract extension for three years. Hopefully, Taylor can keep up the good work going into 2017. If he can, that contract will be well worth it for both him and the Browns organization.
4. Jabrill Peppers
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Jabrill Peppers isn’t a cornerback, he’s a safety! But that’s the brilliance of both Peppers himself and the defense of Gregg Williams. One of the best things about Jabrill Peppers is his incredible versatility. Not only can he play safety, but cornerback as well, and perhaps even a little bit of linebacker. Not to mention his punt returning ability.
5. Howard Wilson
Ah yes, the rookie. While Howard Wilson might be injured, that won’t be keeping him off of this depth chart. At some point in 2017, Wilson is going to come back. And boy, is he going to come back with a vengeance. Wilson is one of the most talented cornerbacks in this past draft class, and his range is unmatched on this Browns roster. Standing at 6’1, Wilson is likely to make an impact as soon as he steps on the football field. He might be injured right now, but don’t expect Howard Wilson to be at the bottom of the Browns cornerback depth chart for very long.
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