Pro Football Focus released their saftey rankings for the AFC North and the Browns have two of the top four at the position.
It was not long ago that the Cleveland Browns had issues in the back of their secondary. Jabrill Peppers was lining up in Lake Erie and there was not a competent player opposite of him. Enter Damarious Randall. Randall changed positions, from cornerback to free safety, and thrived in the process. This also allowed Peppers to live up to his potential.
Pro Football Focus released their Top 5 players at the safety position in the AFC North. Cleveland’s Peppers and Randall were two of the top four at the position.
Jabrill Peppers
As mentioned above, Jabrill Peppers improved upon his rookie season. Starting all 16 games, Peppers combined for 79 total tackles, five of which went for a loss. Peppers also managed his first career sack and hit the opposing quarterback five times. This is due to lining up closer to the line of scrimmage rather than 20+ yards off of it. Peppers was also able to intercept one pass while defending five others.
With his improved play Pro Football Focus gave Peppers a grade of 77.6, just behind Baltimore’s Eric Weddle. This grade classifies as “above average” according to their standards.
Damarious Randall
The Browns acquisition of Damarious Randall is perhaps one of the better moves by Cleveland prior to last season. The former cornerback changed positions to the more comfortable safety position. In addition to playing well on the field, Randall was able to unlock the potential of fellow safety Jabrill Peppers.
Randall intercepted four passes during his first season as a member of the Browns. None was more memorable than the interception against Cincinnati which was promptly handed to former Browns head coach Hue Jackson.
Randall also defended nine passes and recovered one fumble. His presence as a member of the Cleveland secondary. Randall also combined for 85 total tackles, two went for a loss.
Pro Football Focus determined this performance was worthy a grade of 72.7. A grade that is “above average” according to their grading system.
The Cleveland Browns appear to be set at the safety position for the near future. While Randall’s contract does expire after next season, the Browns will have to give serious consideration to an extension. For now the Cleveland Browns have two of the best players at the safety position in the AFC North.
