Important Browns defender set for a breakout in 2023
Cleveland Browns hope to have a defense that takes a big step forward this season under the lead of Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator. The Browns went out and added some important pieces to help the cause and to give Schwartz what he needs. But the development of one player specifically could boost the Browns’ […]
Cleveland Browns hope to have a defense that takes a big step forward this season under the lead of Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator.
The Browns went out and added some important pieces to help the cause and to give Schwartz what he needs.
But the development of one player specifically could boost the Browns’ defense in 2023.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell listed CB Martin Emerson Jr. as one of 23 players in the NFL that will break out during the upcoming 17-game slate.
As a rookie, Emerson was exceptional in coverage for a Browns’ defense that was pretty bad as a group. The Mississippi State product had 15 passes defended in 17 games played. Emerson solidified himself as a stable boundary cornerback, as the Browns fed him 684 snaps as an outside corner in 2022.
Cleveland has a trio of pretty good cornerbacks led by a really good one in Denzel Ward. If one of Greg Newsome II or Emerson can reach a similar level to Ward on a year-to-year basis, it elevates this defense that much more.
For the Browns, Emerson is their most aggressive corner that can match up with bigger, more physical wide receivers. It was on display last year when he held Mike Evans to no catches when he was covering him in the Browns’ overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that game, Evans finished with just four catches and 31 yards overall.
Emerson’s physicality allows him to do some other things in the defense. He had a sack last year and made 63 total tackles. Perhaps Jim Schwartz will allow Emerson to use his size and physical tools to his advantage more often.
If Emerson can indeed have a breakout year, it’ll make it interesting to see what the Browns end up doing with Newsome, who will likely start contract talks next offseason.
A breakout year would give the Browns two legit No. 1 cornerbacks, not such a bad thing to have for Schwartz’s unit.
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Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports.
