What cornerback is No. 2 behind Denzel Ward?

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25-07-2025

The Browns are closing in on training camp. The veteran report date in July 22, a day before the first full-squad workout.
This position group series is also closing in on its conclusion just in time for the start of training camp. This time, it turns its attention to the cornerbacks.
The Browns boast one of the best cornerbacks in the game in four-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. The question, really, is who's the second-best cornerback on the team — Greg Newsome II or Martin Emerson Jr. — because both are entering the final seasons of their contracts and it could turn into an either/or situation.
For now, both are on the roster. It's time to take a look at them, as well as the other Browns cornerbacks.
Cleveland Browns cornerbacks
Chigozie Anusiem
Tony Brown II
Martin Emerson Jr.
Myles Harden
LaMareon James*
Dom Jones*
Anthony Kendall
Cameron Mitchell
Greg Newsome II
Denzel Ward
(* — denotes rookie)
Into the numbers: Cleveland Browns CBs
Ward had a league-best 19 pass defensed a year ago, which can be viewed one of two ways. Obviously, it can be viewed that he was able to get his hands on plenty of passes. But the fact he only had two interceptions shows there were opportunities lost to create more turnovers for a defense that struggled mightily with them a year ago. It was also a big reason for the difference between just being a Pro Bowler and becoming an All-Pro selection.
Newsome was credited with his fewest passes defensed (five) of his career in 2024. He did have an interception, giving him three for his career, all in the last two years.
Emerson had a difficult third season after two really good ones to start his career. According to Pro Football Focus, the 2022 third-round pick allowed quarterbacks to complete 62.7% of the passes thrown at him, including six touchdowns. The previous high was 53.9% in his rookie season.
Mitchell became a valuable member of the secondary over his first two seasons, in part because of the ease at which he can move inside to the slot or outside. In 2024, the former fifth-round pick had 197 snaps at slot corner, then another 128 wide. The latter number is the more notable one, as he had 203 snaps in the slot compared to 45 wide as a rookie.
What they're saying: Cleveland Browns CBs
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on Ward's ceiling, on June 4: "Denzel got his hands on a lot of passes last year, and we need to convert more of those to interceptions. And that's the difference between Pro Bowl and All-Pro — the game-changing plays. The PBU is big for us, but we need to get more of the INTs, and he's made a big push to convert those to INTs and we need that to the show on the field.'
Ward on what he needs to do to turn the pass break-ups into interceptions, on June 11: "It's just getting reps on task. So coming out here and really just shifting my mindset. I know a lot of times I just try to go for the disruption, like my man's not going to catch the ball. But just focusing, getting two hands on the ball and going and taking it away. And then practicing on the JUGS catches and just keeping it in my mind."
Newsome on coming off a disappointing season and going into contract season, on May 12: "Obviously last year wasn't, with me not being able to be there for training camp, I didn't have the season I wanted. I'm realistic, but I know the type of player I am and what I can get to and I'll be back to that level next year. We won't worry about the contract and stuff as the season progresses and as I prove that I'll be on the field with my team the entire season."
Browns cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch on Emerson coming off disappointing season, on June 12: "Consistency. That's a very resilient player. He's a very resilient player that he holds himself accountable and his teammates hold him accountable. So for him to be here every single day … he's a come early, stay late guy. So the little bit of details that we talk about, he's really embodied them and he's another player when we say good, better, best, right? Yeah, he was good. He's getting better now. He's en route to put his best stuff on tape."
Training camp analysis: Cleveland Browns CBs
Ward could be close to a breakthrough to that All-Pro level that seems to have eluded him to this point. Emerson and Newsome, when they're at their best, give the Browns one of the best cornerback trios in the league. How much does both of them being in a contract year elevate their performance this season? It's a legitimate question. Mitchell has been more than serviceable as a young reserve, and Harden managed to get some run over the final four games last season after being a seventh-round pick. Brown, meanwhile, looks very much like his primary role will be on special teams.
Chris Easterling can be reached at [e-mail]. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns 2025 camp position preview: Who's CB2 behind Denzel Ward