The Cleveland Browns had high hopes for safety Grant Delpit when they drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. Unfortunately for both the Browns and Delpit, an individual drill in August led to a torn Achilles tendon and the player missing the entire season.
Since that injury, the Browns added Ronnie Harrison and John Johnson III to the safety room but defensive coordinator Joe Woods plans to play three safeties often leaving room for Delpit to make an impact in his delayed rookie year.
Returning from an Achilles injury is often difficult for players but Delpit shared today what the most difficult thing was for the young player:
“The toughest part was just knowing that you work your whole life just to get somewhere, and then anything can happen off the wall and you’re forced to sit back and watch,” he said in an interview with Best Podcast Available. “That’s the toughest part, but it’s life, so it happens.”
Delpit stated that he believes he will be ready to go for the season but is a few months away from returning to full health. That timetable should put him on track to practice when training camp opens. He is excited for all the additions the team has brought in and ready to produce on the field:
“It’s been a long time coming,” he said, “but hopefully I can give the fans what they want, give myself what I want and what my family wants.”
If Delpit, Johnson III and Harrison can former the kind of safety trio many believe they can, the Browns will have the versatility to match up with a variety of different schemes especially when you add in linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s versatility in front of them, the great defensive line and the cornerback additions around star Denzel Ward.
For now, one step at a time for Delpit as he prepares for his first NFL snaps. He, along with the team and their fans, hope the toughest part is far behind him.