The Cleveland Browns’ cornerback position took a massive hit on Wednesday with the injury update to their starting cornerback. Martin Emerson Jr. suffered an Achilles tear during Tuesday’s practice and will miss the entire 2025 season. The expectation is for Greg Newsome II to replace Emerson on the outside, leaving a vacancy in the slot.
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Cleveland Browns’ young CB has had a minimal role to start his career
So far, Cameron Mitchell has had a minimal defensive role in his first two seasons, starting in four of 30 regular-season games and playing 281 snaps in 2023 and 372 in 2024. The former third-round pick took a slight step back in production in 2024, allowing more passing yards and touchdowns and a higher passer rating than in 2023. Mitchell recorded 24 tackles and two pass deflections while allowing a 66.7% completion percentage, 276 yards, three touchdowns, and a 117.4 passer rating in 17 games and one start.
He looks to bounce back in 2025 and play a larger role.
Cleveland Browns’ former 3rd-round pick primed for crucial role
With Martin Emerson Jr. out for the season and Greg Newsome II sliding into the outside cornerback role, Cameron Mitchell is primed for a crucial role in 2025. He is expected to receive first-team reps in the slot for the rest of training camp and is the clear-cut front-runner. Mitchell must earn the slot cornerback job and will compete against former Miami Dolphin Nik Needham.
Kevin Stefanski has a lot of confidence in the young CB
“Cam’s always done a nice job,” Stefanski said, via Chris Easterling of The Akron Beacon Journal. “He is productive when he is out there. I think he’s ball aware, very intelligent player even.”
