The Browns return their top three cornerbacks in Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell and TJ Carrie, but general manager John Dorsey wants more.

He showed interest in Kevin Johnson and Bradley Roby early in the offseason, but the veterans signed elsewhere and cornerback wound up being the one position Dorsey neglected in a whirlwind couple of months.

Dorsey’s attention has turned to the draft to address the critical position. There’s depth, but the cornerback class isn’t as strong as last year’s.

His first pick — whether it’s at No. 49 or following a trade — could very well be a corner. Ward missed three of the final four games with a pair of concussions and Mitchell missed eight games with a broken wrist, so insurance is needed. A talented rookie would challenge Mitchell and Carrie and could be paired with Ward in the starting lineup for years to come.




The Browns lack depth behind the top three after veterans E.J. Gaines and Briean Boddy-Calhoun were allowed to leave in free agency. Dorsey can’t afford to ignore the position next week, and a trade up from No. 49 to land his target makes a lot of sense.

TOP OF THE CLASS — Cornerbacks

Byron Murphy, Washington: The Huskies continue to churn out defensive backs. Murphy makes up for average speed (4.55) with big-time ball skills (seven interceptions, 27 passes defensed in two years).

Greedy Williams, LSU: Tall, fast and productive — 6-2, 4.37, eight INTs, 28 PDs in two years. Lacks strength and toughness.

Deandre Baker, Georgia: Tough. Won Jim Thorpe Award as nation’s top defensive back.

Other notables: Rock Ya-Sin, Temple; Trayvon Mullen, Clemson; Julian Love, Notre Dame

Keep an eye on for the Browns: Justin Layne, Michigan State; Isaiah Johnson, Houston; Ka’dar Hollman, Toledo