Cleveland Browns: 3 defensive rookies with breakout potential
By Kyle Edmond
Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns
The secondary in Cleveland last year saw injury after injury, which had been a theme for a couple seasons for the franchise. The team made it through the season, but adding help in the offseason became a must, leading to the Browns taking two players to add to the secondary, including gaining a healthy Grant Delpit.
In the first round, the Cleveland Browns made sure to immediately address the position with cornerback Greg Newsome II. Newsome was a player that saw his stock steadily rise not only throughout the season, but through the draft process as well.
Playing 17 games at Northwestern, Newsome tallied 71 tackles, including one for a loss. He only had one interception, coming during the 2020 season, but he did manage to register 20 passes defended. So while he might not be snagging each ball, it’s still hard to get a pass by him without him at least getting a finger on it.
That type of ball-hawk ability will be a huge upgrade for the Cleveland defense. Denzel Ward has one corner spot locked down, but putting Newsome opposite him will be a big addition. Additionally, an injury won’t turn the position on its head like it has in the past.