The Cleveland Browns have always had very good players for their defensive backfield. This year, that has changed.

The safety position was one of the strongest groups on the team last year. But since last season, Juan Thornhill was released, D’Anthony Bell left for the Seattle Seahawks during free agency, who had led the Browns in special teams tackles, and Rodney McLeod retired. The only safeties still under contract were Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman.

Browns GM Andrew Berry did not address safety in the April NFL draft as expected, but instead he signed two free agent veterans in Rayshawn Jenkins from the Seahawks and Demontae Kazee, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also signed was Nik Needham, who could play both cornerback and safety.

DC Jim Schwartz likes to use three safetie

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