The Cleveland Browns have spent years building and refining their defense, making strides toward becoming one of the most formidable units in the NFL. However, to truly take their defense to the next level, the Browns must target a game-changing safety. This crucial position can serve as the backbone of the secondary, offering leadership, playmaking ability, and flexibility. In this step-by-step breakdown, we will explore why the safety position is the key to transforming the Browns’ defense and how they can go about finding that difference-making player.
The Importance of the Safety Position
Before delving into the specifics of how the Browns can find the right safety, it’s essential to understand why this position is so vital in modern NFL defenses. Safeties are tasked with a wide variety of responsibilities, making them perhaps the most versatile players in the secondary.
The role of a safety has evolved significantly over the years. Traditionally viewed as the last line of defense, the safety was often the player who cleaned up after missed tackles by cornerbacks or linebackers. Today, the safety has become much more dynamic, acting as a hybrid defender who can cover receivers in man-to-man situations, play centerfield in zone schemes, and even come up in the box to stop the run.
In today’s pass-heavy NFL, a game-changing safety is invaluable. They can shift the balance of a game with their ability to create turnovers, break up passes, and provide crucial coverage over the top of cornerbacks. Moreover, safeties have become increasingly important in defending against the spread offenses that dominate the league, forcing defensive coordinators to find players who are comfortable in both coverage and tackling in the open field.
For the Browns, a dynamic safety could serve as the final piece of the puzzle, complementing a front seven that already includes elite talents such as Myles Garrett, and a secondary that is solid but still has room for improvement.
The Browns’ Defensive Needs: A Step-By-Step Breakdown
To understand the role of a game-changing safety within the context of the Cleveland Browns’ defense, we need to assess the current state of their defense and highlight where the safety position fits into the bigger picture.
- Front Seven Dominance The Browns’ defense is anchored by one of the most talented front sevens in the NFL. Myles Garrett, an elite pass rusher, is complemented by other strong defensive linemen like Dalvin Tomlinson and a solid linebacker corps led by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The pressure generated by the front seven forces quarterbacks to release the ball quickly, making the safety position even more crucial in terms of coverage and playmaking.
- Secondary Development The secondary, while solid, is the area that could benefit most from an upgrade. While cornerbacks such as Denzel Ward provide elite coverage skills, the safety position has been inconsistent over the years. John Johnson III, who was brought in as a veteran leader, has shown flashes of brilliance but has not yet been the game-changing player the Browns hoped for. Grant Delpit, a second-round pick in 2020, has had his ups and downs but has potential. However, the Browns still need someone who can elevate the secondary.
- Tackling and Playmaking Safety is the last line of defense, often tasked with making the key tackle or creating a turnover that can shift momentum. Over the past few seasons, the Browns’ defense has struggled at times with missed tackles and big plays. A dynamic safety who excels at tackling in the open field and making plays on the ball would go a long way in fixing these issues.
- Coverage Flexibility The modern NFL is filled with talented quarterbacks and wide receivers, meaning a defense needs to be able to mix up coverages. A versatile safety who can play both deep and in the box will allow the Browns to be unpredictable in their defensive schemes, especially in passing situations. This flexibility is crucial against high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.
Identifying the Type of Safety the Browns Need
The Browns’ ideal safety should bring a combination of leadership, athleticism, and playmaking ability. But with so many different types of safeties available, it is important to understand what type of safety would best fit the current defensive scheme. Here are the primary qualities the Browns should look for in a game-changing safety:
- Range and Coverage Ability A deep safety with exceptional range can make a huge difference in the Browns’ defense. The ability to cover ground quickly, read the quarterback’s eyes, and provide over-the-top help to the cornerbacks will make the secondary significantly more difficult to beat. This player should be able to step into a centerfield role in a zone defense, preventing long passes down the field.
- Tackling and Run Support While modern safeties are often viewed as coverage specialists, the ability to play against the run is equally important. A strong tackler who can come down in the box and limit gains on the ground will complement the pass-rushing abilities of Garrett and his teammates. This safety should not shy away from playing physical football, especially in short-yardage situations.
- Ball Skills and Playmaking A game-changing safety must be able to create turnovers. Whether it’s through interceptions, fumble recoveries, or simply breaking up passes, playmaking ability is non-negotiable. A player who can disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm and put the ball in the hands of the offense is an invaluable asset. Look for a safety with a nose for the ball, capable of capitalizing on mistakes.
- Leadership and Intelligence The safety is often the quarterback of the defense. They need to be able to read the offensive formation, communicate with teammates, and adjust the defense on the fly. A safety who has a high football IQ, who can recognize schemes and anticipate plays, will serve as a stabilizing force for the Browns’ defense.
Possible Candidates for the Browns
Now that we have outlined the qualities the Browns should seek in a game-changing safety, let’s take a look at potential candidates who could fill this role. The Browns can approach this search in several ways: through the NFL Draft, free agency, or via a trade.
1. NFL Draft:
The NFL Draft is always a great place to find emerging talent, and there are several standout safeties in recent drafts who could step in immediately as game-changers.
- Brian Branch (Alabama): Branch is considered one of the top safety prospects in the draft. His versatility allows him to play both deep and in the box, making him a perfect fit for a defense looking to mix up coverages. Branch has excellent ball skills and the ability to read the quarterback, making him a potential turnover machine in the NFL.
- J.L. Skinner (Boise State): Skinner is a physical, hard-hitting safety who excels in run support. His ability to play close to the line of scrimmage and take down ball carriers makes him an intriguing option for a team that needs a strong presence in the box. He also has good coverage ability and could develop into a well-rounded safety in the NFL.
- Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M): Johnson’s size and athleticism make him a prototypical modern safety. At 6’3″ and 200 pounds, he has the size to play in the box and the agility to cover deep. His ball skills are also impressive, and he has the potential to be a multi-dimensional player for the Browns.
2. Free Agency:
While the draft offers a long-term solution, free agency can provide the Browns with an experienced safety who can contribute immediately.
- Jesse Bates (Cincinnati Bengals): Bates has been one of the best safeties in the league over the past few seasons. Known for his ability to cover the deep ball and his impressive range, Bates could provide exactly what the Browns need in terms of playmaking ability and coverage. His leadership and experience in big games would also be invaluable.
- Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills): Poyer has been an anchor for the Bills’ secondary for several years. A smart and savvy player, he excels in both pass coverage and tackling. Though he is on the older side, Poyer’s experience and ability to step up in critical moments could help elevate the Browns’ defense.
3. Trade Options:
If the Browns decide to explore the trade market, several established safeties could be available for the right price.
- Devin McCourty (New England Patriots): McCourty has been a consistent and reliable player for the Patriots for over a decade. His leadership, intelligence, and ability to cover the deep field would make him a great addition to the Browns’ defense.
- Marcus Maye (New Orleans Saints): Maye is an athletic and versatile safety who can cover a lot of ground. He would be a great fit for the Browns’ defensive scheme, providing coverage ability while also being able to step up in run support.