BEREA, Ohio-- The Browns showed how high they value the cornerback position by taking two cornerbacks in the draft.
The Browns traded twice to be in the position to take Justin Gilbert, who they regarded as the top cornerback in the draft.
They then took Pierre Desir in the fourth-round.
Gilbert comes with the fanfare of being the eighth overall pick in the draft playing at Oklahoma State, while Desir comes from Division II Lindenwood being selected 127th overall.
With all of the attention being given to Johnny Manziel, Gilbert was asked if he feels like he's the top player selected.
"It don't feel like it," Gilbert smiled and said after Saturday's practice.
Gilbert said he's not bothered by it.
"Not at all," he said. (Manziel's)a good guy. I haven't brought it up besides when we're together I always tell him he's talking the pressure off of me.
"I think it made the people in Cleveland love me more when we got him," he said. "I kind of thought maybe the people were mad at me (for not taking him first)."
Despite being somewhat overshadowed, Gilbert might be the most important addition to the Browns as he's expected to step in immediately and play opposite of Joe Haden.
"I am enjoying it, but really focusing on what I need to do here," Gilbert said. "Get into the playbook and learning from the older guys."
Gilbert said he's already been talking shop with Haden.
"We talked about some coverage things," he said. "We talked about my technique and still have some things to work on my press coverage and things like that."
Gilbert said he's not resting on the fact he was selected so high in the draft.
"I don't have to convince myself at all," he said. "That's not the type of person I am. I'm a humble person and will continue to work hard."
Desir's story is in contrast to Gilbert's and yet he could also play a big part in the Browns defensive plans this year.
"I play with a chip on my shoulder because I played at a small school and will carry that my whole career."
Desir talked about paying his own way through college, working to provide for his wife and two children and what it meant when he arrived in the Browns locker room for the first time.
"When I first walked in I had to sit down and soak it all in," he said. "I saw my name (above the locker) and I just reflected on my journey."
Desir said his routine in college was that he left home at 5 am and didn't return until 11 pm each day.
"I worked minimum wage jobs, went to school and went to football practice," he said. "I had to work very hard to get through school and provide for my family. "
Gilbert said he's been impressed with what he's seen of Desir thus far.
"He's just like me, a rookie coming in trying to prove a lot," he said. "He's hungry."
