Last week I started the discussion of fixing the Browns defense through free agency and the draft. I highlighted the most important position group that needed an upgrade, DE/Edge. This week I’ll look at the safety position. Since last week’s blog, there has be news on the salary cap. Last week it was reported by Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network that the cap would be increasing from $175 million to $185 million. Over the weekend Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the cap would be between $180 and $181 million. So this means the Browns will have between $24 to$29 million in cap space. Remembering that GM Andrew Berry likes to sign players in their mid twenties coming off their first contract here is a list of safeties the Browns might be interested in signing.
Marcus Williams, New Orleans. William’s coverage grade by Pro Football Focus has been in the 90’s since he entered the league in 2017. He also has the highest rate of forced incompletions during that time period and is a very solid run defender. Due to the Saints cap situation, worst in the NFL, Williams will be available. Market value according to Spotrac is $9.4 million on a five year deal.
Marcus Maye, New York Jets. A very versatile safety. Since 2017 has played free safety, strong safety and some slot corner. When targeted, he is the best at breaking up passes. Can line up anywhere on the field. and is solid against the run. Finished the 2020 season with a PFF grade of 82.8, fourth best among safeties. Market value according to Spotrac is $8.3 million on a three year deal.
John Johnson, III, LA Rams. Had an injury plagued 2019. But when healthy he is an elite coverage safety. Came on strong in 2020. In three out his four seasons in the NFL, he has never been below a PFF coverage grade of 84.9. He finished 2020 with a PFF grade of 85.6, third highest for safeties. Market value according to Spotrac $8.3 million on a five year deal.
Others to watch. Xavier Woods, Dallas, Keanu Neal, Atlanta and Jaquiski Tartt. Just remember as the beginning of the league year on March 17th approaches, more players will become available as teams fight to get under the cap. As for the draft, here’s my second mock draft.
26. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame.
58. Jay Tufele, IDL, USC.
89. Patrick Jones, Edge, Pittsburg.
91. Monty Rice, LB Georgia.
110. Davis Moore, IOL, Grambling.
130. Deommodore Lenoir, CB, Oregon.
168. Richard LeCounte, III, S, Georgia.
206. Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina.
250. Jovani Haskins, TE, West Virginia.
If GM Andrew Berry does use all the Browns draft picks, this draft covers a lot of bases. Owusu-Koramoah is listed as a LB, however he has the athletic ability to drop in coverage and be that “rover’ back that DC Joe Woods wants to use. Safety Grant Delpit was going to provide that role in 2020. I really like LB Monty Rice as a middle linebacker. He has great lateral movement, can fight through traffic and is a hitter. Tell me what you think, this is only one of many mocks I’m going to do till draft day.
Next week I’m going to look at the cornerback position and do yet another mock draft. If the 2020 season proved anything, you can never have enough quality cornerbacks and there will some available. Everyone stay safe. Go Browns and RIP Marty Schottenheimer, you brought the gleam back to the Browns.