The Browns secondary very well might be the strength of the Browns defensive unit.
After all, three quarters of the projected starters made the Pro Bowl last season with the Browns and the fourth is a former Pro Bowler.
Thus far in the early going of the off-season program -- and that is without the ball-hawking Pro Bowl safety Tashaun Gipson, who's still missing due to a contract dispute -- the secondary has been very impressive.
The defensive backs were getting their hands on a lot of passes thrown by the Browns quarterbacks Tuesday during OTAs -- whether that's an indictment on the quarterbacks or not remains to be seen.
Including Gipson, the returning Pro Bowl performers are Joe Haden and Donte Whitner. Tramon Williams is a former Pro Bowl cornerback with the Packers, who signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Browns this off-season.
"That's a good group," Mike Pettine said. "Tramon Williams just brings a wealth of experience. I think he understands what we're trying to get done. He's played in similar systems, and those guys are doing a good job. They put the time in during the meeting room. It carries over to the individual period, and then you always want to make sure that meeting and individual time translates into the teamwork, and it has. Those guys are doing a good job, and they're certainly ahead of the curve."
Haden likes the idea of the secondary setting the tone for the defense.
"It's par for the course," Haden said. "We usually get our hand on a lot of balls."
Haden said he feels very comfortable being the leader of the group.
"I feel like with me and Donte, Tramon is such a vet. I feel very comfortable talking with the players. We're familiar with the scheme and the coaches.
"It feels good though because you know what kind of guys you have around us," Haden said. "The talent we have with Donte, Tramon, K'Waun (Williams), Justin (Gilbert), Pierre (Desir) coming along."
Haden said he's hopeful that Gipson will get the contract situation settled and be able to rejoin the team soon.
"I hope it's going to be okay, but when Gip gets out there he's got a spot."
Gipson earned a trip to his first Pro Bowl after leading the NFL for much of the season with six interceptions, despite missing the final five games with a season-ending knee injury.
In addition to the projected starters, Haden is enthusiastic about the return of Gilbert and Williams for their second seasons. Haden worked with Gilbert in the off-season was asked if he saw a difference in him this year.
"I see a big difference, for sure" Haden said. "His work ethic, he's more comfortable and just going and making plays."
Gilbert was the Browns top pick last year but had a disappointing rookie season.
"I definitely see changes, but I think you said it - probably too early," Pettine said. "It's just all about consistency. Just coming in here, perfecting his craft every day, and right now, it's so far so good.
"Attention to detail, just kind of getting himself into the material," he said. "Then, the want to and how seriously he's taking it."
Haden is very impressed with Williams and his ability to play in the slot.
"He's one of the best nickel backs I've seen, as far as playing in the slot," Haden said "He makes plays and is very physical."
Pettine said Williams is already showing even more in his second season.
"He's made a big leap," Pettine said. "We have high expectations for him."
Williams is excited for his second season.
"Our defense has a lot of good players and we want to keep it going this year."
Overall, the defense is ahead of the offense, which is a given as the Browns return with continuity on the defensive side of the ball. This is the second-straight season with Jim O'Neil as the defensive coordinator and most of the key players on defense return.
Pettine acknowledged that right now the defense is way ahead of the offense.
"I just think it's tough - it's certainly not an even playing field, given where we are defensively," Pettine said. "You're working on base installations from an offensive standpoint, and you're working deeper details from a defensive standpoint. It hasn't been easy. We don't want to slow down too much defensively, but at the same time, we also have to understand each other's circumstances. I thought (Tuesday) was good."
