Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2018: CB Preview, Part 2

Let’s take a look at the other four cornerbacks competing for a spot on the Cleveland Browns’ roster as we start to wind down our training camp previews.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

5. Terrance Mitchell - Backup Cornerback

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 191 lbs | Age: 26
Experience: 5 years | College: Oregon

With all of the additions the Browns have made at cornerback this offseason, one of the forgotten additions is Terrance Mitchell. Mitchell, a former 7th round pick, signed a 3-year, $12 million deal with Cleveland. He was with the Kansas City Chiefs the past two seasons, meaning GM John Dorsey was familiar with him. In 2017, Mitchell started a career-high 9 games and had 4 interceptions.

Despite all of the depth the Browns added at cornerback, not everyone is going to make the roster due to the numbers game. Cleveland will carry between 5-6 cornerbacks, but Mitchell may be at somewhat of a disadvantage this far down the depth chart because he hasn’t played much on special teams. The four interceptions from last year will be an eye-popping number, but some of the games in which he was targeted often (with plenty of production against him) stand out for the wrong reason.

Final Roster Odds: 50%

Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

6. Mike Jordan - Backup Cornerback

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200 lbs | Age: 25
Experience: 3 years | College: Missouri Western State

The Browns claimed Mike Jordan off waivers from the Rams at the beginning of the 2017 season after having had some ties to defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Jordan played sparingly throughout the season, but got an opportunity to start late in the year against the Baltimore Ravens. In that game, he finished with 8 tackles.

What is crazy is that Jordan is only one of two cornerbacks on the Browns who was with the club last year (the other being Briean Boddy-Calhoun). Jordan also logged 3 tackles on special teams a season ago. On defense, he finished the year with 3 passes defended, showing some promise in tight coverage situations. The numbers game will make it tough for him to find a spot on the roster, but this could be a case where Williams favors keeping one of his guys.

Final Roster Odds: 50%

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

7. Simeon Thomas - Rookie Cornerback

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 190 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: Rookie | College: Louisiana-Lafayette

Simeon Thomas was the Browns’ final pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns have not made it clear whether Thomas will play cornerback or safety as a rookie, but his traits certainly stand out at 6-3, 190 lbs. with a large wingspan and running a 4.46 40-time.

According to Draft Analyst, Thomas’ strength are that he “quickly picks up coverage assignments, plays heads-up football and nicely locates the pass in the air” and is “feisty, physical and works hard to break up throws.” His weaknesses are “not consistently playing under control and guessing wrong.” Everything about Thomas screams “practice squad candidate.”

Jake Burns of The OBR praised Thomas’ zone coverage skills but panned his open field tackling. Click here for much more of his analysis.

Final Roster Odds: 40%

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

8. Denzel Rice - Backup Cornerback

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185 lbs | Age: 25
Experience: 2 years | College: Coastal Carolina

I can imagine that Denzel Ward and Denzel Rice will make for a little bit of confusion. Rice signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 as an undrafted free agent. Rice saw some action with the Houston Texans in 2016 before being on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad last year. Last preseason with the Texans, Rice logged an interception that nearly went for six:

Back in June, Nathan Zegura of Browns.com said that Rice was a sleeper who had impressed during OTAs.

Final Roster Odds: 20%