Browns Blog

On the corner

What might have been forgotten (not by general manager Phil Savage) in the rush to strengthen the line is the situation on the defensive corners. The positions weren't team strengths last season, and the area took a hit when Leigh Bodden was traded to the Detriot Lions in the deal that landed Rogers.

With Bodden gone, the likely starting corners are Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, both of whom were rooklies in 2007. Wright stepped in at the outset of training camp and proved to be a solid second-round draft choice. McDonald, a fifth-round draft choice, was a pleasant surprise late in the season when he made several big plays as the nickel back.

The only help beyond Wright and McDonald is Daven Holly, who's proven to be a decent player in sub packages but not a quality starter. The Browns did sign Gary Baxter to a one-year contract, but he hasn't played since October of 2006 after tearing both patella tendons.

With no picks in the first three rounds of the draft, the Browns aren't going to land a cornerback of starting quality. With the fee-agent market pretty much picked clean, help doesn't appear on the way in that avenue.

Savage might have to work the phone lines to address the issue. There have been reports that the Browns might be interested in Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, but a deal doesn't seem to be on the front burner.

While the decision to trade Bodden was a hit to the depth, it might not be such a bad thing in the long run. Bodden was considered a "find" when former coach Butch Davis signed him as a undrafted rookie from Duquesne in 2003. Bodden developed to the point that Bengals receiver Chad Johnson referred to him as the best cover cornerback in the NFL.

Bodden's play slipped dramatically last season. Opposing quarterbacks focused on him more than Wright. When Rogers was dangled in front of the Browns as trade bait, Bodden was quickly sent packing.

However, considering the current lack of depth, Bodden would look good in a Browns' uniform today.