Cleveland Browns worked out Jonathan Cyprien, most likely won’t draft him

The Cleveland Browns have worked out Florida International free safety Jonathan Cyprien, according to a list compiled by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cyprien is one of the top safeties in the 2013 NFL Draft class, and some believe that he could be selected in the late first-round of the draft. In fact, I think he’ll either end up being picked in the late first or the early second. He’s worth the first-round pick, because he has excellent coverage skills and is most likely the second best safety in the draft class behind Texas Longhorns star Kenny Vaccaro (the easy No. 1 choice).

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Cyprien, however, almost certainly won’t end up going to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns don’t have a second-round pick, and that would be the only hope of the Browns netting Cyprien (if they wanted him, that is). The Plain Dealer views Cyprien as a second or third round pick, but I highly doubt he’s going to be available for the Browns with their third-round choice, even if it is an early third rounder.

As far as need goes, the Browns have bigger needs elsewhere on the roster besides safety. The strong safety position doesn’t fit Cyprien, and it is filled out by solid starter T.J. Ward (one of my favorite safeties in the league), who is an integral part of the Browns defense. At free safety, the Browns have rising second-year player Tashaun Gipson. Non-Browns fans probably have no clue who he is, but Browns fans know that he is slated for the starting FS job due to the new coaching staff (namely defensive coordinator Ray Horton) being high on Gipson’s ability to turn into a quality starter opposite Ward.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.