May 13, 2022; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) runs a drill during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Martin Emerson was the Cleveland Browns first pick within the 2022 NFL Draft at No. 68 overall and has already been signed to his rookie deal
The rookie contracts are beginning to get hammered out. All across the league, announcements have been made where teams are coming to terms with their top picks from the 2022 NFL Draft and now the Cleveland Browns have gotten in on the fun.
Cleveland was capable of lock up their first pick, which was Martin Emerson and Thomas Moore of Dawgs By Nature estimates the deal to be value $5.75 million for 4 seasons with a bonus of $1.36 million.
A 3rd-round pick, Emerson was taken at No. 68 overall and is about to compete with Greedy Williams for the third spot in a suddenly crowded cornerback room.
Emerson is well-built for the position at 6-foot-2 and 201-pounds. Ahead of him can be Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, and Williams. Cleveland also has A.J. Green, who has been developing right into a nice player as well.
At Mississippi State, Emerson recorded 92 tackles, 15 pass defenses, and had one profession pick. He’s known for his ability in press coverage and while his ball skills weren’t elite, he has shown he could make it difficult for any receiver to make a play on the ball while he’s around.
Maybe even more vital for him as a rookie, Emerson has experience on special teams in each punt and kick coverage. While a task within the nickel defense might be in his future, he will certainly be seen on these units during his rookie campaign.
Within the NFL, it’s imperative to have a deep secondary. The league is now extremely pass-happy. It’s much more vital for the Browns who’ve several talented players but their top three have all needed to cope with many nagging injuries of their respective careers.
