KC Chiefs vs. Browns: Underrated storylines heading into Week 1
By Matt Conner
Greg Newsome’s arrival
On paper, the Browns’ secondary could be something special. The signing of Troy Hill and John Johnson further strengthen an overall group that has significant draft investments in recent offseasons like Denzel Ward, Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams. This is in addition to Ronnie Harrison.
Into this mix steps another first-round pick in Greg Newsome, an instinctual, intelligent, and versatile defensive back from Northwestern who rose up draft boards quickly last spring to turn himself into a day one selection.
This is a big boost for the Browns secondary in multiple ways. For defensive coordinator Joe Woods, it’s another dynamic talent to employ as he wishes against a pass-happy team like the Chiefs. Newsome’s versatility allows him to play inside and outside, and even from Week 1, he should be a positive asset given his ability to learn quickly and communicate well on the field.
From there, however, he also helps the Browns in terms of depth in a secondary often dealing with inconsistency and injuries. Ward misses a few games every season. Delpit sat out all last year with a major injury and will be a question mark as he tries to show he’s fully recovered from an Achilles. Williams was a roller coaster last year and needs to settle into his role to earn more reps.
Newsome’s presence gives the Browns a potential lockdown corner in case others aren’t available and it keeps Woods from having to force players into roles they’re not ready for. Watching him against the Chiefs should be an interesting matchup no matter where he is.