Browns will reportedly take interest in Jaguars SS Johnathan Cyprien

I listed strong safety as my top coveted position in free agency for the Cleveland Browns, and the rumor mill during the tampering period has included a link to one from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tuesday afternoon, Mike Kaye of First Coast News reported that the Browns are expected to target Cyprien:

If the Jacksonville safety is able to reach the open market, the Browns are expected to pursue him, a league source told First Coast News. The source said the Browns' interest in Cyprien will likely be impacted by the availability of Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson, who is seen as the top strong safety on the impending market.

Cyprien was the No. 33 overall pick in 2013 by the Jaguars. He is ranked as the 31st best free agent in this year’s class by Pro Football Focus, who highlighted just how dominant he is as a run defender:

John Cyprien earned the highest PFF run-defense grade we have ever given a safety, ending the 2016 season with a mark of 98.8 as he found his home closer to the line of scrimmage within the Jacksonville defensive scheme. His coverage was still far from ideal, but his run defense was legitimately impactful, and only Giants S Landon Collins had more defensive stops at the position. Cyprien’s issue is that he has just one season of improved play, and there are many other capable safeties available to fill the role.