Cleveland Browns 2026 Training Camp Previews: Cornerbacks
· Yahoo Sports
With Myles Garrett gone, and Joel Bitonio retiring, the longest-tenured member of the Cleveland Browns roster resides in the secondary. Denzel Ward takes over that mantle as he returns for a ninth season.
He's now the headliner of a not just the secondary, but the entire defense that is due for some changes with Mike Rutenberg taking over as coordinator. Rutenberg's specialty in recent years has been the secondary, and while he plans on still using Ward and Tyson Campbell primarily in man coverage, he'll bring some interesting new wrinkles on the back end.
Visit h-doctor.club for more information.
Before anyone suits up for a game, though, more pressing matters take precedent regarding Ward's future, and the inexperienced group of corners that fill out the depth chart behind him.
Let's take a look at Cleveland's cornerback situation.
Projected Depth ChartDenzel Ward, Damarri Mathis, Nate Evans, Tyron Herring
Tyson Campbell, D'Angelo Ross, Michael Coats Jr.
Nickle: Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, Tre Avery
Biggest QuestionTechnically, the biggest question revolves around whether or not Denzel Ward (or Grant Delpit) will be traded at some point during camp, or if they start the season in Cleveland and those conversations pick up at the trade deadline.
That question will certainly loom large over the training camp, but with a lack of depth at the position in general, it's hard to imagine the Browns trading Ward without getting a king's ransom back in return.
As far as on-the-field goes, the biggest question really facing this group is what the depth chart will look like behind Ward, Campbell and even Harden in that nickel spot. There's a general lack of experience from the guys behind the three starters to the point where an injury could be devastating.
One has to wonder if they'll look to add to this group after roster cut-down day. But as things stand at the start of camp, depth is a real concern.
Best Case ScenarioWard isn't traded, leaving Cleveland with one of the best cornerbacks in football to set the tone for a defense that no longer has Garrett to carry it. Together, Ward and Campbell form one of the best cornerback duos in football.
They both also stay healthy to ensure the lack of depth behind them doesn't ever become exposed as a real concern.
Harden builds upon a solid 2025 campaign that saw him hold his own in the slot corner spot, but likely shares the role with rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Perhaps even another reliable depth option emerges further down the roster.
Worst Case ScenarioIf Ward were to be traded the Browns' cornerback room would be left in shambles, quite honestly, granted Campbell would have a chance to showcase himself as a No. 1 corner in this league.
Still, any scenario that sees Ward leave is a bad one. That's also true if Ward, Campbell, or both were to get hurt, leaving their secondary depth exposed as a huge weakness.
Meanwhile, the Harden at the nickel experiment doesn't work out and that role becomes a major need to address next offseason.
Browns Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Browns. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.