Browns Safeties

The safety group got reinforced with the addition of two big free agents signings in Thornhill and McLeod. Alongside them, the Browns run three legitimate starting-caliber safeties deep, backed by some promising young players as depth. Under Joe Woods the safety group had somewhat of a positionless approach, where every player had to be able to play in the box as well as deep in coverage. However, I believe this year will be different with more defined roles to minimize miscommunications and blown coverages. Let’s get to know this years Browns’ safeties!

1. Juan Thornhill

Thornhill was a big free agent acquisition for the Browns this offseason, stepping into the role of John Johnson, who never really played up to his contract. Thornhill’s impressive explosiveness and speed make him an ideal fit for the true free safety position. His ability to read the eyes of quarterbacks well and break on the ball aligns with his coverage production, securing 3 interceptions last season. This was also evident in his pick-six against the Chiefs in the final preseason game. While he might not have the size to deliver big hits on ball carriers, Thornhill’s reliable tackling skills make him a valuable asset as the last line of defense. However, he is best suited for a specific role and you wouldn’t wan’t to deploy him in the box or man up tight ends consistently, potentially limiting the options for disguising coverages pre-snap.

2. Grant Delpit

Delpit enters his 4th year as a Cleveland Brown, playing for a contract extension. His impressive combination of size, strength and speed, makes him a versatile safety, whether it’s stopping the run in the box or playing deep in coverage. He has a nose for the ball, picking off four passes with two in one game against the Commanders. Although he is a hart hitting player, Delpit’s tackling can be inconsistent at times. While he hasn’t shown a lot of progression in his three years with the Browns, that could change in a new scheme where he will play closer to the line of scrimmage. However, his floor is about an average starting strong safety, which is a solid foundation to built upon and nothing to be overly worried about.

3. Rodney McLeod

McLeod arrives, coming off a career year with the Colts, delivering valuable depth to the safety room. His impressive performance last season, particularly in zone coverage as evidenced by his top rating in that category according to PFF, suggests that even at the age of 33, he still has some fuel left in the tank. McLeod fits the free safety role as a smaller and leaner player with good to great explosiveness. His veteran presence will add to the room, while already having chemistry with Schwartz who was his defensive coordinator in Philadelphia. He can play a little slot corner or safety, potentially contributing in 3-safety sets, with Delpit playing in the box.

4./5. D’Anthony Bell and Ronnie Hickman

Bell and Hickman are the Browns’ duo of promising, athletic safeties in development. While Hickman fits the mold of a free safety, Bell’s skillset leans more towards that of a strong safety. Both players are expected to make significant contributions on special teams and potentially evolve into valuable depth options for the future.

Safeties on the the 53-man roster (projection):

1. Juan Thornhill
2. Grant Delpit
3. Rodney McLeod
4. D’Anthony Bell
5. Ronnie Hickman