Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
It became very apparent this past season that Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of another corner back. With the Browns holding the sixth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, there is one name that stands out that would be the perfect compliment to Joe Haden. His name is DeMarcus “Dee” Milliner from the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Although veteran defensive back Sheldon Brown played some inspiring football in the second half of the season, he is getting old and slow. Brown was often burned by opponents’ receivers in the first half of the season. When Haden was out with his suspension, the Browns secondary was torched including a 12 reception for 131 yards by the Baltimore Ravens veteran receiver Anquan Boldin.
In all five games that Haden missed, the Browns gave up 11 touchdowns through the air and over 1,200 yards passing. Cleveland also did not win one of those games. The secondary often looked completely lost without no. 23 on the field. And, although second year defensive back Buster Skrine tried his best, Skrine himself couldn’t bust a screen, let alone defend a pass.
There is no doubt the Browns need another physical, crafty corner back in the secondary. Why couldn’t it be Milliner? If the Browns could land Milliner, who has 16 pass deflections this season, the Lake Erie shores would once again have a wonderful tandem at corner back. It could be the greatest couple in team history since Frank Minnifield and Hanford Dixon.
Just like last season, the Browns must choose wisely in the draft and hit on the majority of them. A player like Milliner would be a great start. For Browns fans, there is no reason why all eyes should not be on Milliner Monday night.
Ryan Ruiz -Cleveland Browns Writer
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