Martin Emerson Jr. tagged as breakout candidate by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell

Barnwell believes the second year player could take another step forward

There were plenty that were surprised last year when Andrew Berry and the Cleveland Browns selected cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. as their top pick in 2022. But that surprise didn’t last long as Emerson Jr. was thrust into the starting lineup early due in part to injuries and he never looked overwhelmed.

Now ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes Emerson Jr. can take another step forward in 2023.

“Most notably [Emerson] limited Mike Evans to 31 yards on nine targets in a November victory over the Buccaneers. He finished the season with a 77.6 passer rating allowed in coverage.”

Emerson Jr. is such a physical player that he thrives against bigger-bodied wide receivers like Mike Evans. He has had a good showing in training camp so far as well and with the addition of Jim Schwartz, Emerson Jr. is poised to break out in 2023.

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