Cleveland Browns: 5 Early standouts at training camp

3. Greedy Williams, CB

After selecting Denzel Ward with their second pick in the first round last year, the Browns vastly upgraded their defense at cornerback. Entering the 2019 season, though, the big question about the defensive backfield is who will lock down the starting spot opposite of Ward. Some believed it would be veteran Terrance Mitchell given his experience both in the league and in Cleveland.

While Mitchell can’t be ruled out, though, rookie Greedy Williams is the one that’s getting the work with the first-team defense right now in training camp. This has been the case since early on in training camp and has only continued since. The fact that the second-round pick with first-round physical tools has already climbed into that spot makes him a standout alone.

However, the fact that the Browns are sticking with Williams as the starter opposite of Ward in camp makes the rookie stand out even further. There have been reports of both ups and downs for Williams to this point. He’s shown willingness to tackle and defend the run — a huge plus given pre-draft concerns about him — but has also had lapses in coverage and some downright bad plays.

Even still, the fact that he’s impressed at times and that the coaches believe in him enough to let him take those lumps can’t be ignored. The lackluster plays are going to happen with any player but it’s a testament to the rookie cornerback’s talent and projection this season that the coaches let him ride through that and continue to work with the first team.