The safety position is a small bit of concern for the Cleveland Browns. While they did address the need in this past draft by selecting Jamoris Slaughter, there are too many unknowns. Here is a preview of the safety position for the orange-and-brown.
At strong safety, TJ Ward, a former second round pick, is in his fourth NFL season. If he is going to have a breakout year, it’s this season. Because of his reckless style of play and hard-hitting abilities, it is tough for Ward to play an entire 16 game season. This is the last year of his rookie contract and the Browns need him to stay healthy in 2013. Ward himself knows he must produce better than average this year.
Playing along side of Ward will be one of three people; Tashaun Gipson, Johnson Bademosi, or Slaughter. That is a scary thought seeing as how both Gipson and Bademosi made the team last year as rookie free agents. The Browns made zero moves to get a veteran presence playing centerfield and this may become an issue a couple of weeks in to the season.
With Eric Hagg and Usama Young history, the only other safety is Kenronte Walker, another rookie free agent from the Missouri Tigers. It really is too bad that Adrian Wilson signed with the New England Patriots, Ray Horton‘s defense could have sure used him this season.
The Browns will most likely only carry four safeties total. Someone in this group will be the odd man out. Walker is most likely that guy. Cleveland is sure to keep their eye out on the waiver wire after pre-season.
Projected Starters: TJ Ward & Tashaun Gipson
Ryan Ruiz is the Cleveland Browns Beat Writer for The Inscriber: Digital Magazine. You can follow him on Facebook: Ryan Ruiz (BrownsWriter) and Twitter @ryanpruiz24.
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