Cleveland Browns once again expect to have one of the better cornerback groups in the NFL in 2024 and hope to build off of last season.
Denzel Ward is the alpha of the group but the Browns are very talented past him with both Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II being key pieces.
Ward spoke to the media on Wednesday and had high praise for Emerson and what he could end up being in the NFL.
“He’s a special player. Got high talent, physical player, [and] tall. I mean, he got the capability of achieving a lot of things in his league,” said Ward. “Being an All-Pro type of player and a number one corner.”
Emerson’s four interceptions in 2024 and took a step forward after a strong rookie season. Even though he did not interpret a pass as a rookie, the talented cornerback was very good and outplayed his third-round draft stock right away. At 6-foot-2, Emerson is a bigger corner that can get up into his opposition and work as a glove.
Ward revealed that he and Emerson have spent a ton of time together this offseason training in Florida.
“Martin, he’s been following me everywhere this offseason, so he actually came out and trained and stayed with me. He lived with me out in Florida, and we worked out every single day together, and we’re just working our techniques and everything, lifting and getting better. So, he’s been on my hip.”
Entering his third season, Emerson has played in every regular season game outside of the finale last season against the Cincinnati Bengals where the Browns rested a bunch of their starters with their playoff spot locked up.
When it comes to the time spent together in Florida, it is all about building chemistry, according to Ward.
“I just try to set a good example and just show them how I train and work and just, I don’t know, just being together, being around each other, continuing to build that camaraderie and chemistry like we talk about all the time, but just try to say the greatest element is I’m going to just be myself.”
Emerson was not a Pro Bowler in 2023 and some could say he was a snub and should have been there. Perhaps in his third season, he will be able to add that accolade to his resume.
