Why Tramon Williams signing is key for Browns defensive improvement
To say Justin Gilbert was a big disappointment in his rookie season might be one of the understatements of the year.
Because Gilbert couldn't get on the field, the Browns were forced to employ Buster Skrine on the outside, rather than playing him in the slot where he was better suited.
Mike Pettine stated how important a cornerback that can play man-to-man coverage is in his defensive scheme.
That is exactly why the Browns signed former Pro Bowl cornerback Tramon Williams as an unrestricted free agent.
"In our system, we are not [using] a lot of a hard corner very often, where the corner is primary in run support so when a ball is going around the perimeter, the corner is the first line of defense," Pettine said after the Browns selected Gilbert on the first day of last year's NFL Draft. "That's very rare in our system. Our premium, when we look at and list the attributes of and say, 'Here's what we we're looking for in a corner,' the press-man coverage ability, the ability to eliminate a wide receiver and allow us to play 10 against 10 and do that with two guys and play nine against nine, that is a much higher premium than to be more of an outside-linebacker type."
Because of Gilbert's ineffectiveness in 2014, the domino affect was felt elsewhere in the defense.
With the loss of Skrine via free agency and the uncertainty of Gilbert and fellow second-year cornerback Pierre Desir, the Browns made one of their top priorities getting a starting cornerback to play opposite of Joe Haden.
"It's no secret our system is predicated on having guys that can lock up and play man coverage on the outside," Pettine said after the Williams signing. "This is something that Tramon's demonstrated he can do at a high level for a long period of time, and I've always said you can't have enough corners.
"Rex (Ryan), his saying forever has been, 'The two positions that get you beat the fastest are quarterback and cornerback.' So it's something we look to address and keep that room loaded with plenty of depth."
The Browns have devoted more money to signing Williams than any other free agent this offseason. After spending all nine of his NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Williams joined the Browns by signing a three-year deal worth $21 million, including $10 million guaranteed, somewhat steep for a 32-year old cornerback.
The financial terms suggests Williams will start opposite Haden while Gilbert tries to rebound from the problems he experienced on and off the field as a rookie. Although, Pettine wouldn't commit to Williams as the starter, he clearly was brought in to bridge the gap until the younger cornerbacks are ready.
"We'll see how (the starters) play out," Pettine said. "[Williams has] shown he's durable, dependable, he's played at a high level for a long period of time. I just felt, we all did, that we wanted to have another veteran corner in that room."
Pettine likes the durability that Williams has displayed throughout his career.
"William's shown he's durable, dependable, he's played at a high level for a long period of time."
Williams (6-0, 202) started every game for the Packers last season and he has missed only one game since 2007.
"I take a lot of pride in that," Williams said. "You never know why guys do it. I'm not a guy who does it for accolades. I can go about it and don't care if anybody ever knows. Whatever helps the team win, that's the only thing I really care about."
The Browns defense ranked 10th last season allowing 366.1 yards per game. They were eighth against the pass (224.5), but 32nd against the run (141.6). The pass defense numbers are misleading because teams were so successful running the ball they didn't need to pass.
Williams' former coach in Green Bay heaped praise on Williams recently.
"Cleveland is fortunate to have Tramon," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told Ohio.com at the owners meetings in Phoenix. "One of the statistics that I always keep an eye on is availability.
"Tramon's played over 1,000 reps for (the Packers) over the last three years each year," he said. "He's very consistent, an extreme professional."
The Packers chose to let Williams leave as they have a young cornerback who they feel is ready to step in and they didn't want to meet Williams' salary demands. However, McCarthy said he feels Williams still can play despite his age.
"Oh, he's got a lot left," McCarthy said. "Yeah, he's got a lot left."
Last season, Williams tied for the team lead with three interceptions in Green Bay, giving him 22 since 2010 (including playoffs), which ranks second in the league among active players behind only Richard Sherman of Seattle.
With Williams expected to handle the position at the beginning of the season, the Browns Gilbert will be able to live up to his projections.
"(Gilbert) had some rookie struggles and some things that he's already taken steps moving forward to take care of," Pettine said. "And going down (to south Florida) and working out with Joe, I think that was a big step for him. So again, I think the feedback has been really positive, and of all players, he's one we're really looking forward to getting back on campus."
Williams, who made the Pro Bowl after the 2010 season when he had six interceptions and 20 passes broken up. He is looking forward to joining the Browns defense.
"I see where these guys are going and I think I can help them go to where they want to go," he said. "They had a great defense last year with a lot of young guys on the team. I'm a veteran guy and I hope I can take them to another level."
Despite what Pettine says about who the starter will be, there's no question he's counting on Williams to be a key cog in this year's defensive scheme.
"Tramon is an experienced, versatile and productive corner that has played at a very high level throughout his entire career," Pettine said. "He is a good fit for any defense because his impressive ball skills have made him an accomplished playmaker. He can play man, press or play off and be successful.
"Those are attributes that are very important for our defensive backs," he said. "Tramon is a high-quality person who comes from a winning tradition and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on our team."
