Cleveland Browns Waived CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

By Ryan Rosko | Apr 2, 2016

Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) intercepts a pass intended for UCLA Bruins wide receiver Logan Sweet (L) during second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu‘s time with the Cleveland Browns has come to an end.

The Cleveland Browns have decided to waive former seventh round pick Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Ekpre-Olomu was drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Cleveland selected Ekpre-Olomu with the hopes that he would be able to get back to his level of play prior to his serious knee injury. Unfortunately, that was not the case as he was placed on injured reserved last season and apparently was not progressing at the level Cleveland needed him to be at.

Ekpre-Olomu was one of the best players not only at his position, but in all of college football. Had it not been for the knee injury (which included a torn ACL) Ekpre-Olomu endured, he could have been a first round pick. Ekpre-Olomu was a very talented and exciting player to watch while at the University of Oregon.

It made sense for the Cleveland Browns to draft him as late as they did because of how talented he was. Other players also has endured serious knee injuries, but with mixed results.

For whatever reason Cleveland was not comfortable with his progress. There was excitement surrounding him getting back onto the field at some point this upcoming season and possibly contributing in some role. Now we will not see what Ekpre-Olomu can do on the field for the Cleveland Browns.

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If the Cleveland Browns were uncertain about his future with his knee given their issues at cornerback, then that is saying something. Whether he can one day get back onto a NFL field for another team remains to be seen. Hopefully one day we will be able to see him play just like how he did in college.

Now that Ekpre-Olomu is gone, could more moves be made with the defensive backs? Justin Gilbert has not lived up to expectations. His role going forward with the Browns is currently unknown. When drafted, the former first round pick was thought of as someone who could line up opposite Joe Haden, while also helping out in the return game.

Up to now, Gilbert’s ability to return kicks may be the only reason he is still on the roster. Or, the Cleveland Browns defensive coaching staff believes they can turn his career around and they are willing to take a chance on him. Fellow cornerbacks Pierre Desir and Charles Gaines may now be viewed even more as key corners going forward — especially with how Tramon Williams played last season.

Cleveland has the second overall pick at the end of the month and the possibility of the Browns selecting Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey could be even stronger. Yes, Ekpre-Olomu did not play one snap for Cleveland but since he was waived, one less cornerback is on the roster. Because of that more pressure could be placed on the defensive backs still under contract.

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The Cleveland Browns defensive backfield needs plenty of help. With one less option, the current DBs must step up their level of play and any rookie(s) that are added has to be ready to play from day one.

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