Cleveland Browns’ 10 best players since returning to the NFL in 1999
By Ryan Rosko
2. Joe Haden
The ending to Joe Haden’s time in Cleveland was not pleasant but that does not diminish his play for the team over the years. Haden, who was the Browns’ first-round pick in 2010 (seventh overall), never got to play opposite another quality cornerback.
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Sure, there’s been average to above average opposite starting CBs, but never to the point where Cleveland was able to replicate the team’s once dynamic duo of Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield. Despite that, Haden has the Browns’ all-time record in pass deflections with 100.
Haden was a bright spot from the get-go on defense cementing his role as CB1 in Cleveland. During his rookie season, six interceptions and 50 interceptions highlighted the initial campaign.
As a two-time pro bowler (2013 and 2014) and member of the 2010 NFL All-Rookie Team, Cleveland was confident at least half of the field was locked down thanks to the former Florida Gator.
Unfortunately, the last two seasons in Cleveland saw Haden’s play limited and decreased due to injuries. He spent 2017 with division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though watching the end of Haden’s tenure was hard to witness, his influence and impact on the team never went unnoticed.
On Thomas’ and former wide receiver Andrew Hawkins‘ podcast ‘The Thomahawk Show’ via WKYC’s Ben Axelrod, Thomas discussed how moving on from Haden negatively impacted the team’s locker room.