The base 4-3 defense has four defensive backs on the field. Classically, in clear passing situations, the defense might shift to the Nickel, adding a fifth. In today’s NFL, almost every situation is a clear passing situation. That means most teams usually have five DB’s on the field, often expanding to six or even seven. To that end, the Cleveland Browns have invested more capital into their defensive backs than anywhere else on the team (except perhaps quarterback, but that’s all in one guy). The Browns defensive backs as a group feature two first-round picks, a second, a third, and a big-money free agent.
Browns Defensive Backs a Step Away From Elite
A New Gear for a Returning Veteran?
The Browns defensive backs are anchored by cornerback Denzel Ward. Since the team used the fourth overall choice on him in the 2018 draft, Ward has been a consistent yet slightly underperforming presence for the Browns. He was voted to the Pro Bowl twice and signed a massive contract extension last year. He was also named the 2021 Browns Walter Payton Man of the Year.
Despite that, it seems that Ward has another gear Browns fans haven’t seen yet. Ward and his fellow Browns defensive backs were often caught out of position last season, especially during the Week 2 epic collapse against the New York Jets. The Browns defensive backs often looked confused and out of place.
New defensive boss Jim Schwartz aims to change that. Schwartz is looking to turn up the heat on opposing quarterbacks with a new defensive line rotation and scheme. That will only benefit the Browns defensive backs, who ranked in toward the bottom of the league in 2022.
Schwartz will allow the athletic Ward to shine in a different role. During spring practices, Ward often lined up against the inside against the opposing slot receivers. Typically, slot corners line up closer to their man and unlike those patrolling the boundaries, have multiple directions to anticipate.
Big Money Free Agent
Another one of the Browns defensive backs who often found himself covering slot receivers was safety Juan Thornhill. Thornhill, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, signed a three-year, $21 million contract in March.
Though his primary assignment will be to cover the middle of the field, Thornhill is a former corner with the same ball-hawking mentality. When opposing teams line up in four-receiver formations, Thornill could be lined up on the line of scrimmage opposite Ward in the slot.
Flexible Options at Safety
If and when Thornhill finds his way up to the line of scrimmage, that would leave the Browns defensive backs corps with two options in the backfield.
Returning is Grant Delpit, who led the Browns in tackles and interceptions last season. Delpit’s primary assignment will be strong safety. Traditionally, the strong safety would be primed to assist the team’s linebackers cover the run. Given the state of the Browns linebackers, Delpit’s abilities would be more than welcome. However, Delpit has the size and speed to play at free safety. Schwartz, known for moving his players around to confound expectations, can move Thornhill to the line of scrimmage and let Delpit cover deep.
Backing up both Thornhill and Delpit will be veteran Rodney McLeod. McLeod, once one of the top safeties in the league, is on the downside of his career, but previously worked with Schwartz in Philadelphia. McLeod signed a low-risk contract to join the Browns defensive backs in May. He comes over from the Colts where he set career highs in tackles. He has experience at both safety spots, though at 33, he is likelier to play closer to the line of scrimmage than in the deep backfield against speedy deep threats.
A Pair of Picks Still Looking for Their First Picks
Browns defensive backs Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr round out the highly regarded squad. Emmerson, a 2022 third-round choice, surpassed expectations by leading all cornerbacks in tackles and tying for first in passes defended.
Newsome is entering his third season after getting drafted in the first round in 2021. Though he and Ward quickly became one of the highest-regarded cornerback tandems in the league, he’s still looking for his first career interception.
Part of that comes from the schemes used last season. Unlike Ward and Emerson, Newsome’s talents don’t match playing receivers in the slot. Yet, he was often asked to do so, which asked him to play more like a linebacker. Not surprising, given the team’s issues with linebackers, but Newsome was uncomfortable covering the run. His stats suffered – his passes defended dropped. Yet he somehow picked up half a sack, strange for a player whose primary role is covering the opposing receivers.
Cleveland’s new defensive scheme relies on a heavy rotation among its defensive line to pressure the quarterback. That should create many more opportunities for the Browns defensive backs to take the final step from “lots of potential” to “elite”.
Main Photo: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
