Spotlighting the Cleveland Browns' CB Position Heading into the 2012 Season

The Cleveland Browns had the second-best passing defense last season, giving up an average of 184.9 passing yards per game. 

While some of this can be attributed to the fact that it was just so easy for opposing offenses to run against the Browns (They allowed an average of 147.4 yards on the ground per game last year.), it would be remiss to think that the Browns secondary, especially their cornerbacks, had no impact on the impressive number.

With the Browns' overall defense likely improved this season, we'll get a more accurate look at just what their cornerback corps is capable of.

Here's a look at each of their corners and what we should expect out of them in 2012.

Joe Haden

Without question, the Browns' top cornerback is Joe Haden. He had 65 total tackles last season, a forced fumble (and one fumble recovery), a sack and 19 passes successfully defensed.

His interceptions dropped considerably, however: He had zero in 2011, compared to six in 2010, which could partially be attributed to teams' not throwing the ball as much against the Browns defense last year.

With Cleveland's improved run defense, Haden should have more opportunities for picks this season.

He's not just one of the best corners in the AFC North, he's one of the best in the league, period, even if he didn't get any picks last year.

Dimitri Patterson

With Dimitri Patterson given $16 million in a three-year deal this offseason—including $6 million guaranteed this year—it's clear that the starting corner job once belonging to Sheldon Brown will become his.

Prior to this year, Patterson mainly worked out of the nickel. He had 28 total tackles last year but forced no turnovers.

With more playing time and a starting job, Patterson should make a far greater impact this season.

Sheldon Brown

Sheldon Brown would be the only competition for Patterson's starting job. He's heading into his 11th season in the NFL and is set to make nearly $4 million this year. 

Brown was quite productive last season, with 48 total tackles, a forced fumble and fumble recovery, and two interceptions.

Despite this, Brown will likely take over the nickel role that used to belong to Patterson, in addition to providing both much-needed depth and veteran leadership.

Buster Skrine

The Browns drafted Buster Skrine in the fifth round last season and felt comfortable enough with his development to give him a bit of playing time in his rookie year, particularly on passing downs. He notched 18 tackles and an interception, making the most of his limited snaps.

Skrine should get more time on the field this season as he continues to get more comfortable in his new defense.

Eventually, he'll become a starter, but right now he'll be primarily valuable as depth and as a situational player.

Trevin Wade

Trevin Wade was a seventh-round draft pick for the Browns this year. He'll likely need to impress in camp in order to remain on the roster.

However, Cleveland doesn't have a lot of depth at corner, so if he seems worth developing, he could certainly make the team.

The Browns took Skrine with a later-round pick last year, and he saw playing time as a rookie.

So the odds aren't particularly against Wade's chances.

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