Cleveland Browns defense: Cornerback is a strength of this team.

Since the Cleveland Browns returned to the league in 1999, finding etiquette talent to fill out the starting positions and backups has been the status quo. But this offseason has been a refreshing change. For once the Browns actually have plenty of talent at more positions than not. This is a luxury we have not seen in years and one of those positions that is well stocked is cornerback. So let’s take a look and see who will start and who could be the odd-man-out when the 2012 season begins.

Joe Haden

Going into his third season Joe Haden has become a lock-down corner in the NFL. In a league that has evolved into a passing league, having someone like Haden on the opponent’s best receiver is a must and he has lived up to that challenge.

Haden lacked the major stats that you tend to see in a cornerback but the mark of a true shutdown corner is one who is invisible for the whole game. Chances are if you hear about a cornerback’s defensive play, more often than not it’s because they got beat by a receiver. Haden has become an elite talent and a leader on a defense that finished 2nd in the league in passing defense allowing under 200 yards per game (184.9). Having Joe Haden on one side allows the team to focus on the other side and there are plenty of options on the roster.

Sheldon Brown

Sheldon Brown has surprised a lot of critics during his time in Cleveland. During the 2010 offseason both Brown and Chris Gocong were traded to Cleveland from Philadelphia for a 4th and 5th round selection in that year’s draft. Since then Brown has established himself as a solid number two corner and has displayed excellent veteran leadership on a young defensive unit.

Brown (33-years-old) is the odds on favorite to retain the starting slot opposite of Joe Haden, but with a crowded field of young talent he may find himself possibly becoming a nickel corner if one of the other cornerback’s have an outstanding offseason. It has been debated whether or not Brown is worth having due to the amount of cap space his contract eats up but having quality talent deep in the roster is well worth the 3.7 million he will receive this season.

Dimitri Patterson

The Browns made it clear that they think highly of Dimitri Patterson. They resigned the 28-year-old to a multiyear deal and will receive around 6 million between his signing bonus and salary this year. Last season Patterson really stepped up and showed flashes of talent that the Browns’ brass feel could replace Sheldon Brown as the number two cornerback. At worst Patterson will continue to fill his role as a nickel cornerback. Last season the Browns played in the nickel for roughly 60% of their defensive snaps and will most likely wind up doing the same this season making Patterson a valuable commodity.

Buster Skrine

From the start of minicamps last season Buster Skrine impressed the Browns coaching staff. Taken in the 5th round out of Tennessee-Chattanooga Skrine has been impressive earning playing time by the end of last season. He has come to this year’s OTA’s motivated and has not disappointed. Skrine may eventually wind up as a quality starter in the NFL but is capable of being in passing situations now. Skrine very well could find himself playing on a regular basis and is a great player to have on the roster if injuries should happen to occur.

Trevin Wade

Trevin Wade could be the dark horse in the Browns secondary. He is almost impossible to predict as his inconsistent play at Arizona dropped his draft stock allowing Cleveland to grab him in the 7th round. During his college career Wade had flashes of brilliance tempered by stretches of lax effort. If Wade can live up to his potential he could earn playing time. But as for now, he will have to earn his keep on special teams.

Other players will battle for room on the depth chart but having talented players like these at cornerback is a must in the NFL today, and a wonderful problem to have in regards to who’s going to start. I expect that this defensive unit will continue to be consistent in the passing game and as a result will make each game that the Browns play a winnable one.

What do you think?

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