With The First Pick
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The Cleveland Browns lose Cornerback Depth with Howard Wilson Injury

By Jon Dove

Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Howard Wilson (6) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Howard Wilson (6) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns were dealt a small blow when rookie cornerback Howard Wilson as injured over the weekend.

Rookie defensive backs tend to have a steep learning curve, but teams like the Cleveland Browns don’t hesitate to throw them into the mix. It’s possible that the Browns would’ve given rookie Howard Wilson a chance to earn early playing time.

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That possibility was derailed over the weekend after Wilson suffered a broken knee cap. This is an injury that will likely cost Wilson his entire rookie season.

Heading into the draft, I had Wilson rated as a late 2nd round prospect. The Browns were able to land him in the 4th round which was great value. Wilson’s strength is his ball skills and ability to generate turnovers.

He’s someone who can read the quarterback, jump the route and haul in interceptions. Wilson would’ve battled Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Marcus Burley and Darius Hillary for the No. 3 cornerback job.

This current version of the Cleveland Browns rebuild has featured a focus on adding defensive talent. They recently drafted the likes of Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, Emmanuel Ogbah, Danny Shelton and Carl Nassib.

Cleveland also invested draft capital and money to bring Jamie Collins into the mix. The cornerback position remains one of thinner groups on the roster. Wilson would’ve had a chance to quickly establish himself as a building block.

Instead, he faces a long recovery process and a likely tougher road to playing time. The Browns cornerback depth chart is going to look very different at this time next year. They obviously know it’s an area of needed.

Cleveland owns two 1st round picks in the 2018 NFL Draft that could be used to add significant cornerback talent.

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