The plan to infuse the Cleveland Browns with youth, speed and depth is well under way. One position where it is evident is cornerback, where veteran Sheldon Brown is hanging on to the starting spot -- but looking over his shoulder.
Coach Pat Shurmur, who said Brown remains the starter, followed that proclamation immediately by praising backup Dimitri Patterson and emerging Buster Skrine. Shurmur added he is impressed with the versatility of both. Patterson, in particular, played most often in the slot last year.
"Buster is a gritty, gritty guy, and Dimitri really challenges," Shurmur said. "You can see both playing outside."
The secondary is indeed in a transition phase. Many thought Brown would be moved to free safety to replace Mike Adams, who flew the coop to Denver in free agency. Shurmur quashed that notion immediately, leaving open the possibilities of new starters at two positions.
Patterson could supplant Brown if preseason competition warrants a change. And is appears second-year free safety Eric Hagg has all but clinched a starting spot over Usama Young. Hagg, whose ball-hawking talents are badly needed in a secondary that produced a mere six interceptions last season, has received all the first-team reps in mini camp and training camp.
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSSportsNFLCLE throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.
