Browns lead the way with a talented, deep group of DBs
Wrapping up on the defensive side in terms of the depth charts, the focus shifts to secondary: Cornerbacks and safeties. The AFC North is loaded with Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson, Greg Newsome, Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Geno Stone.
Those are just a couple few names in what seems to be a very deep and talented secondary room in the AFC North as we continue our division power ranking of depth charts.
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Star power galore, let’s discuss the secondaries in the AFC North.
#1. Cleveland Browns
Starters: Denzel Ward (LCB), Martin Emerson (RCB), Greg Newsome (NB), Grant Delpit (Strong Safety), Juan Thornhill (Free Safety)
Backups/Depth: Corners: Cam Mitchell, Kahlef Hailassie, Justin Hardee Sr, Vincent Gray, Myles Harden (R), Tony Brown, Dyshawn Gales (UDFA) Safeties: Rodney McLeod, Ronnie Hickman, Chris Edmonds (UDFA), Brady Breeze, D’Anthony Bell
Why is Cleveland #1? Down in Columbus, the Ohio State Buckeyes name their secondary BIA (otherwise known as Best in America). As for the Browns secondary, many names come to mind (Lockdown on the Lake should be the name) but this secondary is deep and talented.
The cornerback trio of Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson might be one of the best trios in the league. Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit could be considered a top 15 safety tandem.
In terms of depth, the team has that. Cam Mitchell has shown he’s capable of occupying the slot cornerback position when called upon. Ronnie Hickman stepped up in the backend when Grant Delpit and Rodney McLeod went down last season, D’Anthony Bell also contributed as well.
The one name to keep an eye on is rookie cornerback Myles Harden who could find a way onto the field. Justin Hardee, a Cleveland native returns back home and has been a special teams ace since he’s been in the league.
Talented and deep, Cleveland has the best secondary in the AFC North.
#2. Baltimore Ravens
Starters: Nate Wiggins (LCB) (R), Brandon Stephens (RCB), Marlon Humphrey (NB), Marcus Williams (Free Safety), Kyle Hamilton (Strong Safety)
Backups/Depth: Corners: Jalyn Armour-Davis, Arthur Maulet, T.J. Tampa (R), Christian Matthew, Damarion Williams, Ka’Dar Hollman, Tre Swilling, Trayvon Mullen, Bump Cooper Jr (UDFA). Safeties: Sanoussi Kane (R), Ar’Darius Washington, Beau Brade (UDFA), Jordan Toles (UDFA)
Why is Baltimore #2?: Despite losing safety Geno Stone in free agency to rival Cincinnati, the Ravens secondary is still one of the best in the AFC North. Safety Kyle Hamilton had a strong case to win Defensive Player of the Year last season and is a top 5 safety in the league. Marcus Williams has been a solid contributor at the free safety spot.
As far as the cornerbacks go, the group has found a potential star in rookie Nate Wiggins. The same can be said for T.J. Tampa. Marlon Humphrey has been the veteran and mainstay in Baltimore’s secondary and Brandon Stephens occupies the other corner spot opposite of Nate Wiggins.
Their cornerback room is stronger than before but their safety room could use some work in terms of depth. Talented secondary with a deep cornerback room with versatility but questions regarding surrounding the safety room depth.
Overall, this group shouldn’t be slept on.
Starters: Joey Porter Jr (LCB), Donte Jackson (RCB), Cam Sutton (NB), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Free Safety), DeShon Elliott (Strong Safety)
Backups/Depth: Corners: Darius Rush, Cory Trice, Josiah Scott, Anthony Averett, Ryan Watts (R), Beanie Bishop Jr (UDFA), Kalon Barnes, Thomas Graham Jr. Safeties: Trenton Thompson, Damontae Kazee, Miles Killebrew, Grayland Arnold, Nathan Meadors, Jalen Elliott
Why is Pittsburgh #3?: In terms of the secondary room for Pittsburgh, I would consider the group to be above average. Joey Porter Jr is the best cornerback in the room (it’s not particularly close). Cam Sutton is back with the team after spending a year with Detroit but he could miss time with a potential suspension due to a legal issue. Donte Jackson will be on the opposite side of Porter Jr, but the Steelers lack a CB2.
Minkah Fitzpatrick is still considered to be one of the top-tier safeties in the league, and Deshon Elliott comes over from Miami to occupy the strong safety spot. Overall, the safety duo is better than what they had last season. Anthony Averett comes over from Baltimore to provide some depth.
As mentioned earlier, the group is above average but there are concerns surrounding the lack of a CB2, and safety depth.
Starters: Cam-Taylor Britt (LCB), D.J. Turner (RCB), Mike Hilton (NB), Geno Stone (Free Safety), Vonn Bell (Strong Safety)
Backups/Depth: Corners: Josh Newton, DJ Ivey, Allan George, Lance Robinson (UDFA), Jalen Davis. Safeties: Jordan Battle, Dax Hill, Daijahn Anthony (R), Tycen Anderson, Michael Dowell (UDFA), PJ Jules (UDFA)
Why is Cincinnati #4?: Average. It pretty much describes this group. Cam-Taylor Britt is the best cornerback on the team currently but who would you trust opposite of him? D.J. Turner will occupy the opposite cornerback spot after Chidobe Awuzie left in free agency but he has shown signs he can contribute when given the opportunity.
Dax Hill is the biggest wild card in the group. Considering his versatility to play essentially anywhere in the secondary, he struggled last season at the free safety spot.
Geno Stone comes over from Baltimore and Vonn Bell returns after spending a year with the Carolina Panthers. The safety duo for Cincinnati is better than what they had last year considering the group’s struggles.
Cincinnati’s secondary is young and unproven but the group has talent in its room. However, the looming concerns about the cornerback room can’t be overlooked and will be a focus going into training camp.
How would you rank the AFC North secondaries?
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