Defense struggled to force turnovers, limit opponents in 2009. Joe Fortenbaugh
When your team ranks in the bottom four in the league in passing defense and interceptions, you may want to think about addressing the problem.
According to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that’s exactly what the Cleveland Browns plan to do this offseason.
Head coach Eric Mangini’s secondary was abysmal in 2009, ranking 29th in passing defense (244.7 yds/gm), 29th in interceptions (10) and 21st in points allowed (23.4 pts/gm). While it’s not the only problem on the gridiron for the Browns at the current moment (the team did finish 5-11), it is certainly an issue that needs to be addressed in the very near future. (To check out the rest of Pluto’s breakdown, click HERE).
With that being said, let’s bring in NFP Director of College Scouting Wes Bunting to take a look at some of the top cornerbacks in the 2010 draft class.
Wes Bunting’s Top Five Cornerbacks
Since Bunting has Florida cornerback Joe Haden listed as his top guy, let’s take a closer look at his scouting profile:
Joe Haden: No. 5, CB, 5-11, 190
A strong, well-built corner who may have the most explosive first step in the country, Haden does a great job in coverage reading the quarterback’s eyes and then clicking and closing instantly on the football. However, he isn’t the most instinctive of defenders in man coverage and has a tendency to get his eyes caught in the backfield. Haden will bite on play-fakes and jump routes. He showcases impressive make-up speed and has the range to turn and run downfield with any receiver in the NFL. But he takes himself out of too many plays, at times trying to force a big play.
He has good initial balance in his drop but has a tendency to get elongated with his footwork. However, he does a great job flipping his hips, running down the field can really track the football. Haden possesses an elite skill set and has improved his footwork significantly in man coverage over the past year and looks capable of playing at a high level in any scheme in the NFL.
Grade: 6.9...Becomes a starter during his rookie year… A prospect who possesses physical attributes that will create mismatches vs. most opponents… A featured player on team.
Check us out on Twitter: @WesBunting @JoeFortenbaugh
Good for you, Joe. Kenny Phillips is healing, a nice draft, and a few additions/subtractions in FA and we'll be right back to the top. Would love to win the Super Bowl in JerryWorld. Go Giants!
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Feb 09, 2010
06:59 PM
I think Joe hayden is an excellent 1st round pick. I would also like to see the browns draft the safety from florida major wright, and the strong safety from LSU chad jones. if you take those three accompanied by eric wright i think that makes for a very stout defensive backfield despite the lack of experience, they make up for it in athletic ability and instinct. the donavan mcnabb proposal is a sexy move at first thought, however.... i dont think its a good idea. mcnab has limited quality years left, and they will probably be filled with injuries. i still think Quinn deserves another year with a real number one reciever either threw the draft or free agency.