Browns CB Cameron Mitchell gets just enough of Justin Fields to cause a turnover on downs

The rookie came up big for the Browns defense

The offense of the Cleveland Browns has not been able to get much of anything going today and their defense came up big again to force a turnover on downs. Rookie fifth-round pick Cameron Mitchell on fourth down was able to get a hand on Bears quarterback Justin Fields to prevent him from getting the first down.

It has been an impressive rookie campaign for the corner out of Northwestern who missed four games with a hamstring injury. As the defensive backfield has been banged up when they have turned to the rookie he has given them quality snaps game in and game out.

The Browns need their defense to rise again as the offense just hasn’t been able to get any consistency today. Cleveland is looking to take total control of the Wild Card race with a win over the Bears at home today. Either way they will stay the fifth seed but a win would be huge.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Browns Injury Alert: CB Cameron Mitchell leaves game vs. Jaguars

Cleveland Browns CB Cameron Mitchell leaves the Jaguars game with an injury.

Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Cameron Mitchell exited the game against the Jaguars during the third quarter. Mitchell was slow to get up after Travis Etienne’s touchdown run and walked off the field with the athletic trainers. He was escorted to the medical attempt immediately.

The rookie cornerback is playing his first game all month after being activated from injured reserve. Mitchell suffered a severe hamstring injury in the game against the Cardinals.

Mitchell started at nickelback as the team moved Greg Newsome II outside to replace Denzel Ward. Mitchell is a great option at slot, he seeks out ball carriers with the intensity of a safety, and can still cover wide receivers. Mitchell has a bright future with the team.

The Browns have struggled mightily at the slot role over the last month as the team has lost multiple cornerbacks to injury. The team needs to find a way to replace the backup if he’s unavailable to play. The Browns are currently beating the Jaguars 21-14 heading into the fourth quarter.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Browns get multiple injured players back on the practice field Wednesday

Cleveland could have reinforcements on the way

Injuries have been a big part of the season for the Cleveland Browns despite the 7-5 record. They have battled down several key players at premium positions but help is on the way. Cornerback Denzel Ward has been fantastic this year and the team has missed him the last two weeks, he is returning to the practice field Wednesday which comes at a great time.

On top of that rookie Cameron Mitchell who has been on IR should return to the field as Cleveland has designated him to return. The secondary has had two bad games so getting two corners back, especially their best one, will be welcome to Kevin Stefanski and his staff.

On top of that quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson who remains in concussion protocol will also practice as well as wide receiver Marquise Goodwin who also has missed time with a concussion. The Browns control their destiny as far as making it into the playoffs and getting these players back would be huge.

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns’ defensive players vs. Cardinals

The defense absolutely dominated from start to finish Sunday

Anytime you can hold the opposing offense to less than a hundred net yards regardless of the opponent it is quite the accomplishment. The defense of the Cleveland Browns had the most dominant performance I can remember. Holding the Arizona Cardinals to less than two yards per play is as impressive as it comes. Turnovers from linebacker Sione Takitaki, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, and cornerback Denzel Ward certainly helped.

The defensive line didn’t allow rookie Clayton Tune to settle in at all as he was constantly under pressure all day long. Cleveland had 25 total quarterback pressures and sacked Tune seven times with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson getting three himself.

The way the defensive line is playing makes the defensive backs’ jobs so much easier as they know they don’t have to hold the coverage all day. Denzel Ward is playing like a top-ten corner after a down year and Martin Emerson Jr continues to show he is the real deal in his second season.

Here are the top 10 defensive players from the shutout win according to PFF on Sunday.

PFF’s 10 highest-graded Browns defenders vs. the Eagles

Who topped the Browns list of top defenders on Thursday?

The defense of the Cleveland Browns had an impressive start to Thursday’s against the Philadelphia Eagles. They started the game by forcing an early safety to get Cleveland on the board first. Rookie undrafted free agent linebacker Mohamoud Diabate continued to show that he can be a nice depth piece for the team. He played fast diagnosing the play in front of him quickly and exploding to the ball to make a play.

Before exiting early with an injury, one he has been cleared of, Ronnie Hickman made another interception as he fights for a roster spot. The Browns also debuted new defensive tackle Shelby Harris as he works to get up to speed.

Here are PFF’s best Browns defensive players from their third preseason game against the Eagles.

Podcast: Recapping the Browns’ biggest winners and losers from Canton

Which players saw their stock change the most on Thursday

There were a lot of young players that got the chance to prove themselves in Thursday night’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. The Cleveland Browns didn’t play any major stars but there was plenty to like especially from this year’s rookie class. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was electric while tackle Dawand Jones played the entire game and did so at a high level.

Cedric Tillman showed his toughness and physicality while defensive tackle Siaki Ika showed he can develop into a decent run defender someday. Those weren’t the only players to play well while others struggled you can click here to watch this episode as the winners and losers are all broken down.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Updated 53-man roster prediction post-Pro Football Hall of Fame Game victory

What has changed after the first preseason game?

The regular season draws closer and closer as the Cleveland Browns prepare for their second preseason game Friday against the Washington Commanders. After the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, the team made some roster changes, some of which were due to injury, that could present some interesting opportunities for other players.

Siaki Ika was the only defensive tackle that showed anything in against the Jets leading some to believe they will still add a veteran at some point. With Daylen Baldwin waived with an injury designation and Marquise Goodwin still out there is an intriguing chance for Austin Watkins who looked good in the Hall of Fame Game.

Overall there aren’t a ton of changes to the 53-man roster prediction after this first week but there are some changes that could be intriguing to follow.

WATCH: Rookie CB Cam Mitchell forces turnover on downs with electric breakup

The rookie wasn’t letting the Jets get a fresh set of downs in the third quarter

For the third consecutive draft, general manager Andrew Berry selected a cornerback and the second from Northwestern in Cameron Mitchell. Getting his first action as a member of the Cleveland Browns against the New York Jets in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game he forced a turnover on downs breaking up a fourth down attempt by Jets quarterback Tim Boyle.

Mitchell was playing from the slot which is something the team hopes he can do down the road. With no true slot corner on the roster getting the rookie going from that position could come in handy. The turnover keeps the Hall of Fame game a two-point game heading into the final quarter.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Browns: 3 defensive players with the most to gain in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game

These three players are players to watch on Thursday

Football is nearly back as the Cleveland Browns take on the New York Jets for the first preseason game of the season in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday. The team overhauled the defense this offseason in an effort to build a contending team in 2023. Young players and fringe roster players will be on full display Thursday as they look to earn roster spots and playing time.

This will also be the first chance fans get to see new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz‘s scheme in action though most starters won’t play. Let’s take a look at three players to watch closely this week.

Podcast: Breaking down film of Browns rookie Cameron Mitchell

The #Browns continued adding to the cornerback group by drafting a Northwestern product Cameron Mitchell in the fifth round of the 2023 draft

Browns general manager Andrew Berry continues to invest in Cleveland’s cornerback room to counter the offensive firepower in the AFC. With Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow, and more teams have to have a strong secondary if they want to be Super Bowl contenders.

Berry showed how valuable depth at the position is by spending one of the Browns’  2023 draft picks on Northwestern defensive back Cameron Mitchell. Mitchell has a bunch of upside, especially as a man coverage corner. His skill set could help him develop into a solid starter in the long term.

You can watch this week’s episode of Browns Film Room featuring Mitchell by clicking here to see a breakdown of what he does well, and where he has room to grow.