Cleveland Browns Release Unofficial Depth Chart For Opener
CB Jamar Taylor Starting Over Tramon Williams
Tramon Williams, 33, was not cut during the Browns’ veteran purge, which I am surprised by. Williams had a so-so 2015 campaign, totaling 69 combined tackles, 10 passes defended and one interception.
Considering how thin the Browns defense is at all positions, the decision to retain his services isn’t what surprises me. Rather, it’s the fact he’s not listed as a starter.
Williams is entering his 10th season in the league and is due to make $6.2 million. Thus, making him the perfect candidate to get the axe during training camp.
Jamar Taylor, 25, was acquired during the 2016 NFL Draft and is listed as the starter opposite of Joe Haden. The Boise State product was a second round pick for the Miami Dolphins in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Taylor never quite lived up to expectations in Miami. He appeared in 33 games, including nine starts, and accumulated 82 combined tackles, four passes defended and zero interceptions.
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So, what’s the reasoning behind the decision to bench Williams?
Williams was the 50th ranked corner in the NFL during 2015 (73.8) according to Pro Football Focus. He played 435 snaps and was serviceable on a poor Browns defense.
Taylor ranked 106th among NFL corners with a score of 36.7, and played 309 snaps. He has been nothing short of mediocre during his time with the Dolphins. Because the disparity between the two is so large, the only logical explanation for the decision is age.
Williams, eight years Taylor’s senior, is in the twilight of his career. Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton is obviously attempting to mold Taylor into the player he was expected to be during the 2013 NFL Draft.
Potential trumps talent for the new regime at this time.
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