Cleveland Browns: Why moving Jason McCourty to safety makes sense
The Cleveland Browns have talked to new cornerback Jason McCourty about playing safety. For the Browns, the move makes a lot of sense.
The Cleveland Browns significantly improved their defensive line in this year’s draft by adding the likes of Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi and Caleb Brantley. They have a decent trio of cornerbacks in Joe Haden, Jamar Taylor and Briean Boddy-Calhoun. They also drafted former Michigan star Jabrill Peppers to help solidify the strong safety spot.
What the Browns don’t have is a starting-caliber free safety to lock down the back end of Gregg Williams’ defense. However, Cleveland might be able to get its safety if new addition Jason McCourty is willing to take a page out of his brother’s book.
Devin McCourty — twin brother of Jason — came into the league as a cornerback back in 2010. However, he made the switch to safety in his third season. He has twice been named a second-team All-Pro at free safety with the New England Patriots.
The Browns brought Jason McCourty to Cleveland largely because of his familiarity with Williams and his defensive scheme. Williams was a senior assistant defensive coach for the Tennessee Titans in 2013. However, McCourty doesn’t exactly fit the mold of player Cleveland has been trying to bring in over the past couple years. He’ll turn 30 this August and is likely nearing the back end of his career. Many of the free agents the Browns have signed have been young, up-and-coming players the team can build around for the long-term.
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Perhaps one reason the Browns were willing to change their trend with McCourty is a belief he can be like his brother and become a quality free safety. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns have spoken to McCourty about making the position switch. For his part, McCourty seems receptive:
"“He has talked to me about that some,” McCourty said. “I told Gregg, whatever position they see me, I’m willing to learn. I’m going to try to go learn corner, safety, all four positions. I’ll try to help in any way I can.”"
While it would be a bit silly for the Browns to expect Jason immediately becoming an All-Pro safety the way his brother did, putting him in the free safety spot would make a ton of sense. Williams’ defense is an aggressive one that often has the strong safety playing close to the line of scrimmage. You’ll see a lot of Cover 1 and Cover 3 looks in Williams’ defense, with the free safety alone in deep center. This scheme requires a free safety who can cover a lot of ground on the fly.
Some of McCoutry’s best assets as a cornerback could help him excel as a rangy free safety. He has excellent speed, is a willing and able tackler and he has above-average ball skills. McCourty defended 12 passes and snagged two interceptions last season, and he had at least 10 passes defended in six of the last seven seasons—the lone exception being an injury-shortened 2015 campaign.
Putting McCourty at safety would also allow the Browns to get their best defensive backs on the field more frequently. Barring injury, McCourty probably isn’t stealing a starting job away from Haden or Taylor—nor does he want to.
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“I don’t come in saying I have to start opposite Joe or take Joe’s spot,” said McCourty, per Cabot. “I’m just coming in to compete and whatever my role is, I’m fine with that.”
For both the Browns and for McCourty, his best role in 2017 may be at a new position.