Former Cavs guard Baron Davis signs with 76ers D-League affiliate
March 3, 2016Cardale Jones to appear on Jon Gruden’s QB Camp on ESPN
March 3, 2016The Cleveland Browns finished another disappointing and dysfunctional season in 2015, ending the season tied for the worst record in the NFL at 3-13. This past season brought on a lot of change, including a whole new front office led by Sashi Brown and Paul DePodesta and a new coaching staff led by head coach Hue Jackson. With the changes, the franchise has brought new hope to its fan base. (…Again.)
Over the course of the last many weeks, I have been taking a look at what the Browns have going into the really important offseason, examining through each position of the team. The next position in the series that we will take a look at is the safeties group.
Where the Browns stand series: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Tight Ends/Fullbacks | Offensive Line | Wide Receivers | Defensive Line | Outside Linebackers | Inside Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties
Safeties on the Roster
- Donte Whitner
- Tashaun Gipson
- Ibraheim Campbell
- Jordan Poyer
- Tim Scott
- Sean Baker
- Don Jones
Recap of 2015 Season
This past year, the Browns safety group did not perform up to the previous season’s level. The defense allowed 251 yards per game, 22nd in the league. The Browns defense was 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed, giving up over 128 yards per game. The safeties were part of defending both of these areas, so some of the blame can be placed on this unit.
Donte Whitner saw a decline in his play this season, much of it due to his advancing age. In 14 games he notched 81 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four passes defended. He looked like an aging player. He was often too slow to react to a pass, allowing completions. He also did not play as well against the run defense, his strongest skill. Whitner seemed to miss quite a few tackles in run defense, trying to go with the big hit rather the technique-sound tackle. He showed his age and was just not good enough for the Browns last season. His status with the team this upcoming season is up in the air.
Tashaun Gipson did not play up to the level he did the previous season, but some of that was due to his health. In 13 games he had 60 tackles, two interceptions, and two passes defended. His performance was up and down this past season, but a lot of that was because of the nagging injuries he faced. Gipson is still one of the best coverage safeties in the league. He is a ball hawk who can make big time plays for a defense devoid of playmakers. He is a free agent this offseason, so his status with the team is very much in doubt.
Ibraheim Campbell is an interesting young player who could develop into a starting safety for the Browns. In 15 games as a rookie, he notched 16 tackles. He has the skillset to be a strong safety on the Browns defense. He is a tough and sound tackler with good athleticism to run in space and play in coverage, too. In his limited time last season, he showed some positive signs of his ability to be a future contributor to the Browns defense.
Jordan Poyer is a quality backup safety for the Browns, but nothing more. In 14 games he posted 43 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and four passes defended. He had a pretty good season as a backup and started four games due to injuries. His value is that he can play multiple positions, including cornerback. Poyer is solid in coverage, but he is not a player the team can rely on as a full-time starter. He is best in his role as a special teams player and a versatile backup defensive back.
The Browns also have Tim Scott, Sean Baker, and Don Jones in their safety unit. Tim Scott and Sean Baker did not play any snaps for the Browns this past season, while Don Jones split his 2015 between Cleveland and New Orleans. In nine games with the Browns, Jones posted just five tackles. These players are not expected to be contributors for the defense next season.
The Browns safety unit declined in play this season. Whether it was due to age or injury, the group just did not play to the level many expected and the team needed. The drop in performance from this group was a contributing factor, but not near the biggest factor, in the horrible defense the Browns showcased this season. This offseason will probably bring a lot of change to the safety unit. It is a crucial offseason for the future of the back end of the Browns secondary.
2015 Season Grade: C
Offseason To Do List
- Re-sign Tashaun Gipson
Tashaun Gipson is a Pro Bowl level player and among the best free safeties in the league. But his status is very much in the air because of his impending free agency. The Browns need to retain Gipson, as he is one of only a few playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Losing him would create a big hole in the back end of the secondary and reduce the already-low amount of playmakers the defense has. Gipson is still very young, giving him a long, bright future in the NFL. The Browns need to keep him.
- Replace Donte Whitner at strong safety
Donte Whitner is not the player he once was. He will be 31 when the season begins, which is quite an advanced age for a safety. He just does not have the speed and athleticism that he did when he was younger. His performance declined quite a bit last season and he became somewhat of a liability in the secondary. It hurts me to say this because of leadership and love he has for the city. But the Browns need to find a new starting strong safety. Whether they believe Ibraheim Campbell is ready for the increased role or they decide to acquire one through the draft or free agency, the Browns need to find a younger and better replacement for Whitner. There are already a few free agents on the team’s radar.
- Add more depth
The Browns will need to add more depth in the safety position, especially if Whitner and Gipson are not with the team. They need viable options as backups to fill in for different formations and situations. The Browns currently have only four safeties who can play in actual games. If the Browns lose any of these players this offseason, they will need to replace them with capable replacements. But even if they don’t lose anyone, the defense can still use more contributing safeties who can fill in certain roles.
7 Comments
I would like Gip to return but it takes two to tango. Although he had a Pro Bowl season in his third season I don’t agree that he is, “…among the best free safeties in the league” especially following his injury affected contract season last year. It has been widely reported that he and his agent are seeking McCourty money and it is reasonable to think the Browns FO just doesn’t value his four year performance that highly. It is wise football practice to draft well and retain homegrown talent but the deal has to make sense for both sides. Signing your own talent at any cost is not a sustainable long term strategy.
that pretty much means campbell is the only decent , though unproven , safety on the roster … i think he we be a fine nfl player.
you have eric weddle at the top of the free-agent pool & he is 31 years old … we seem to have a lot of CB’s on the roster , i wonder if any of them might be suited to play safety ?
Those CB’s can’t even play CB.
LMAO !! … good point.
Ok, I get that Whitner is getting old, and Gipson isn’t worth what he wants to get paid. What I don’t get is how Campbell is better than Poyer…stat wise Poyer has way better numbers than Campbell. Granted this could mean one is suited for free and one is suited for strong safety. Yet in one less game Poyer had almost 3 times as many tackles,a sack,a fumble recovery, and two picks. That seems not bad as a fill in player.
good post WAR … poyer logged more playing time than campbell did. i still think campbell is going to be a starter back there for years to come. poyer is average at best.
Mingo to safety?