Cleveland Browns: How does Calvin Pryor fit into the defense?

Cleveland Browns’ newest defensive back Calvin Pryor has not lived up to expectations yet, but that should change in NE Ohio.

Although the Cleveland Browns made key improvements on defense, there are still holes on that side of the ball. Sure, not all of them will be solidified this season, but the important thing is that the organization is doing all they can to make sure as few holes as possible are evident this fall.

Earlier this offseason, Cleveland signed defensive back Jason McCourty. He will start out at cornerback, but should see some time (TBD amount) at free safety given his age and skill set. Even with him there, both safety positions are question marks.

First rounder Jabrill Peppers is a box safety and will be used at strong safety and possibly in a role similar to that of Arizona Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu. However, the former Michigan product has had a rocky start to his career since being drafted.

Since it would be unfair to put all of their eggs in one basket (Peppers), more help was needed. Therefore, Cleveland’s trade this morning with the New York Jets helps with that. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Cleveland acquired Calvin Pryor for linebacker Demario Davis.

The other end of this Browns-Jets trade is LB Demario Davis. He's going back to the Jets, sources say.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 1, 2017

Not only adding more depth in the secondary was a great move, a must really, but it also gives Cleveland another option to work with in case they need someone to use in another versatile role.

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Pryor is also a box safety and he should be used at strong safety. However, knowing the need at free safety too, and the fact that he could also be used in Mathieu’s role or like Los Angeles Rams’ DB/LB Mark Barron adds to the excitement surrounding the defense.

Pryor did play at times at free safety according to pro-football-reference.com in 2015. However, it remains to be seen exactly how much he will be used there.

Moving on from Davis was going to happen as the writing was on the way. The Browns already extended fellow linebackers Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins and there simply was not enough playing time for Davis.

After just one season in Cleveland, Davis is now returning to the team he played for four seasons.

That is especially the case since under DC Gregg Williams, the nickel/dime base defenses are expected to be used more than the 34/43 looks. Now those 34/43 looks will be factored in, but they are not going to be the primary defenses seen this fall.

As a result, players with versatility like McCourty, Peppers, and Pryor are needed.

Also according to pro-football-reference.com, in three seasons, Pryor has started 38 of 44 games. So far, he has accumulated 14 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, 19 tackles, but just two interceptions (both in 2015).

With who they now have in place, Cleveland is in a much better position than they were this time last year.

Next: Putting Osweiler's praise into perspective

Under Williams, it will be more surprising seeing Pryor not taking the next step forward. There is no reason Pryor cannot be this year’s version of cornerback Jamar Taylor.

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