The Cleveland Browns were finally on the clock in the third round after trading down from the 44th pick. With immediate needs at defensive end, defensive tackle and wide receiver, the decision to move down was not met with positive fanfare.
With their first pick in the 2022 NFL draft, #68 overall, the Browns selected cornerback Martin Emerson from Mississippi State.
Emerson is a big, tall corner who has had success in the SEC. At 6’2″ and over 200 pounds, he gives Cleveland a player who can help match up with some of the taller receivers in the AFC North like Chase Claypool and Tee Higgins.
In his three years in college, Emerson has one interception but was credited with 11 pass breakups. A physical corner, he ran a 4.53 40-yard dash time.
Our Draft Wire site gave this projection for Cleveland’s new cornerback:
Emerson has great size, length, and athleticism, along with proven production, a combination that should allow him to start early in his career. He has some issues with aggressiveness, instincts, and fundamentals that need to be ironed out, but an NFL coaching staff should be able to work out those problem areas. Emerson is scheme-diverse, can play in man or zone at a high level, with a nice press-and-go off the line, and quick closing burst that will work well in either assignment.
With Greedy Williams and Troy Hill set for free agency after the season, Emerson can step in and help right away and be ready to play an important role in 2023 if those veterans depart.
