Browns Facing Uncertainty in Secondary Before Draft

Cleveland may need to address safety and cornerback positions in upcoming NFL Draft.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping planes and fractured perspectives of a defensive secondary, conveying a sense of uncertainty and transition.An abstract illustration captures the complex geometry and fragmented perspectives of an NFL secondary, hinting at the uncertainty facing the Browns' defensive backfield.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns' secondary, which has been a strength of their defense in recent seasons, is facing some potential uncertainty heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. is a free agent after missing the 2025 season with an Achilles injury, and safety Ronnie Hickman remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. If the Browns are unable to retain Hickman, they may need to target a safety early in the draft, with Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren as potential options. The team has also been linked to cornerback prospects like Brandon Cisse of South Carolina in the second round to provide depth behind starters Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.

Why it matters

The Browns' secondary has been a key part of their defensive success, so any potential losses or holes in that unit could be a significant concern heading into the draft. Addressing those needs early could help the team maintain their defensive identity and competitiveness in the AFC North.

The details

The Browns have been linked to several top safety and cornerback prospects in the upcoming draft, including Caleb Downs of Ohio State, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo, and Brandon Cisse of South Carolina. If the team is unable to re-sign restricted free agent Ronnie Hickman, they may need to target a safety early, potentially at No. 6 overall. The team has also been mentioned as a potential landing spot for cornerback depth, with Cisse as a potential second-round pick.

  • Martin Emerson Jr. is a free agent after missing the 2025 season with an Achilles injury.
  • Ronnie Hickman remains unsigned as a restricted free agent.

The players

Martin Emerson Jr.

A cornerback for the Cleveland Browns who missed the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury and is now a free agent.

Ronnie Hickman

A safety for the Cleveland Browns who is currently a restricted free agent and looking for a contract offer the team can match.

Caleb Downs

The top safety prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, playing for Ohio State University.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A safety prospect from the University of Toledo who could be a potential target for the Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Brandon Cisse

A cornerback prospect from the University of South Carolina who has been linked to the Browns in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Browns have one starting safety locked down for the immediate future in Grant Delpit. Former UDFA Ronnie Hickman has played well with Cleveland, but he is currently a restricted free agent on a right of first refusal tender. If the Browns are able to keep Hickman, they can probably afford to push safety further down the order in terms of needs. If not, they might have to dip into this position group earlier.”

— Tim Bielik, Analyst

What’s next

If the Browns are unable to re-sign Ronnie Hickman before the draft, they will have a clearer picture of their needs in the secondary and may need to target a safety early, potentially with the 6th overall pick.

The takeaway

The Browns' secondary has been a strength of their team, but some potential free agent losses could force them to address those positions earlier than expected in the 2026 NFL Draft. How they handle the Ronnie Hickman situation will be a key factor in determining their draft strategy for the defensive backfield.