Safety Grant Delpit projected as Browns’ most improved player

There is nowhere to go but up for Browns’ safety Grant Delpit. The 2020 second-round NFL Draft pick did not play a single snap in his rookie season after tearing his Achilles in training camp. But NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund chose Delpit to be the Browns’ most improved player this season. 

Frelund uses advanced analytics to forecast the trajectory of players for the upcoming season. Delpit is one of the league’s most versatile defensive backs on a team with an improved defense. Defensive backs that can play all over the field are becoming more coveted in the NFL as offenses become extremely pass heavy. 

“Safeties who are as versatile as Delpit was at LSU have really high ceilings in the NFL,” Frelund said. “Compound that with a big increase in overall defensive back potential after the team signed S John Johnson III in free agency and drafted CB Greg Newsome II 26th overall, and the situation Delpit returns to appears pretty optimal.”

Last season Delpit still participated in team activities and film sessions to ensure he did not fall too far behind. He has had a year and a half to learn head coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ scheme.

Browns’ overall defensive outlook

While Delpit has looked good in various social media posts tracking his training and recovery, it is possible that he is not 100% for Cleveland’s Week 1 date with Kansas City. The teams faced each other in January in the AFC Divisional round, and the Chiefs won 22-17. If he’s healthy, expect Delpit to compete to start with Johnson and Ronnie Harrison who is having hamstring issues himself.

#Browns Grant Delpit getting some hand eye coordination work in this morning 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/RhEChIbtRE

— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) July 9, 2021

The Browns’ secondary should be much improved after this offseason defensive shopping spree that also included drafting Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Last season, they gave up 247.6 passing yards per game, which was 22nd in the NFL. The combination of Delpit, Johnson, Newsome, Harrison and Owusu-Koramoah in the secondary should give them a good shot at going deep into the playoffs.

Delpit really did it all in Baton Rouge

As a member of the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team, Delpit recorded 65 tackles and two sacks. He had two interceptions, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble. He was a Consensus All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award for nation’s best defensive back in his final year playing for Coach O. In total, Delpit had 199 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, eight interceptions and 24 pass breakups for the Tigers.

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