Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2020: CB Preview (Part 3)

In Part 3 of our Browns cornerback preview for training camp, we wrap up the position by looking at Robert Jackson, Donovan Olumba, and Jameson Houston.

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8. Robert Jackson - Backup CB

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 207 lbs | Age: 26
Experience: 2 years | College: UNLV

Robert Jackson was an undrafted free agent in 2018 who first signed with the Indianapolis Colts, and then later the Houston Texans. He signed to the Browns’ practice squad in mid-2018, and also began 2019 on the team’s practice squad. He was called up for emergency depth in September due to the injuries to Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, but only saw a little bit of work on special teams. In December, he was placed on injured reserve.

There is an article about Jackson working relentlessly at his Pro Days a few years ago to get noticed, and it paid off (to an extent). Jackson will likely be competing for a spot on the team’s practice squad. Last preseason, Jackson had 6 tackles and 1 pass defended, to go along with 2 special teams tackles.

Final Roster Odds: <5%

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9. Donovan Olumba - Backup CB

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 1 year | College: Portland State

Donovan Olumba was an undrafted free agent in 2018 who signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He spent most of two seasons on the team’s practice squad before being called up in Week 17 last year to the active roster. Back in 2018, Dane Brugler graded Olumba as his 55th-ranked cornerback, saying this about him:

A no-star cornerback recruit out of high school, Donovan Olumba (oh-LOOM-buh) was a wide receiver and cornerback at Salpointe Catholic, also running track (13.17 in the 100-meters). Playing only one season of varsity high school ball, he went under-recruited and ended up at Division-II Alderson Broaddus (located in West Virginia) where he played three seasons at corner. Olumba transferred up a level to FCS Portland State, spending the 2016 season on the scout team. He went from third-string to starter in 2017, posting seven passes defended. Despite a mediocre senior season, Olumba has the measureables that attract NFL eyes with his combination of height, length and speed. His transition tends to stall due to wild footwork, causing him to play tight at the top of routes. He is an inconsistent run defender with suspect play strength for NFL work. Overall, Olumba is an undeveloped traits-based prospect who could earn a practice squad spot in training camp.

In the past two preseasons, Olumba had 7 tackles and 3 passes defended in 2018, and 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, and 3 passes defended in 2019. Fans loved his size and potential, but he couldn’t crack the regular season rotation and is now out with a new coaching staff in Dallas. Olumba could be a sleeper to make some noise at the back end of this cornerback competition.

Final Roster Odds: 10%

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10. Jameson Houston - Undrafted Rookie CB

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 199 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: Rookie | College: Baylor

The Browns’ other undrafted cornerback this year besides A.J. Green is Jameson Houston out of Baylor. Houston was the 107th-ranked cornerback on Dane Brugler’s list heading into this year’s draft. I couldn’t find too much information on Houston, but here is a highlight of him from 2019:

For not being highly ranked, the Browns did give Houston $60,000 guaranteed upon signing him. He made good progress in his senior season at Baylor, logging more tackles than his previous seasons combined. I’m viewing him as another practice squad candidate.

Final Roster Odds: <5%