Heading into OTAs, fans were incredibly interested to see how the defensive backfield looks with the additions of S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S Daniel Thomas, and even the “underrated” UDFA cornerback from West Virginia, Michael Coats Jr.
Despite expectations, CB Myles Bryant has emerged as the standout amongst the team’s newly added defensive backs, drawing attention as the top performer in OTAs so far.
He was consistently getting his hands on the football, breaking up passes left and right for new
DC Mike Rutenberg over the first couple days of voluntary practices in Berea. It’s not hard to see how he’s managed to stick around in the NFL for the past six years after entering the league as a UDFA in 2020 with the New England Patriots.
Going back and watching the tape, his ability to consistently be in the right place at the right time is what makes him such an intriguing player, and why the Browns were happy to sign him in April. Yes, it’s still really early, and the full pads haven’t come on yet, but Bryant could be what Cleveland’s been looking for in a nickel as of late. He’ll definitely be a name to monitor for Browns fans throughout the summer and fall.
It honestly wouldn’t be surprising at all to see him beat out Myles Harden as the starting slot corner heading into week one against Jacksonville. Harden’s shown glimpses of production between the hashes, but his inconsistency has gotten the best of him so far.
Stay tuned.
