When Ray Horton returned to Cleveland early this year for his second tour as defensive coordinator of the Browns, he reminded everyone he’ll forever seek edge rushers.
A few months later, the Browns used three of their first six draft picks on players who built reputations in college for harassing quarterbacks.
Those rookies — outside linebackers Emmanuel Ogbah (second round) and Joe Schobert (fourth) and end Carl Nassib (third) — should be at the heart of the defense’s most interesting position battles in training camp, which opens Friday at Browns headquarters in Berea.
Meanwhile, the ongoing quest for a reliable kicker will highlight the auditions overseen by special teams coordinator Chris Tabor.
Here’s a review of the competitions on defense and special teams heading into camp.
Outside linebacker
Projected starters: Paul Kruger and Nate Orchard
Analysis: Kruger, Orchard, Ogbah, Schobert and Barkevious Mingo figure to comprise this group after roster cuts, but their playing time and roles need to be sorted out. Kruger and Orchard received the first-team snaps throughout the spring. It wouldn’t be shocking if Ogbah were to usurp Orchard, but even if he doesn’t, the investment made in him with the 32nd overall selection means he’ll have a legitimate chance to steal reps in pass-rushing situations. The coaching staff has talked about occasionally moving Schobert to inside linebacker and Mingo into different spots as a pass-rush specialist. This will be a make or break season for Mingo in many ways. The former sixth overall pick with just seven sacks in three seasons is in a contract year after the Browns declined to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Defensive line
Projected starters: John Hughes (end), Danny Shelton (nose tackle) and Xavier Cooper (end)
Analysis: Desmond Bryant was a lock to start at end until he suffered a torn pectoral muscle earlier this month and had surgery. Now he’s expected to miss the entire 2016 season, and Xavier Cooper is the next man up. The question is whether Nassib could pull off an upset and earn the starting job after missing time in the spring with a calf injury. Either way, Bryant’s injury will create more opportunities for Nassib. Whether it also influences the Browns to stick with end Armonty Bryant remains to be seen. He’s been suspended by the NFL for the first four regular-season games and could receive additional punishment after being indicted in February on two counts of felony drug possession. Jamie Meder will try to hold off undrafted rookie Nile Lawrence-Stample for backup nose tackle duty.
Cornerback
Projected starters: Joe Haden and Tramon Williams
Analysis: Haden’s attempt to return from offseason ankle surgery is a more important story to follow than any competition here because the defense needs the two-time Pro Bowler to rebound just to have a shot at respectability. The contest to watch, though, will be at nickel corner, where incumbent K’Waun Williams is being challenged by draft-day trade acquisition Jamar Taylor. In the final practice of June’s mandatory minicamp, Taylor took the first-team reps instead of Williams. Of course, all of Browns Town will continue to monitor Justin Gilbert in hopes he becomes serviceable instead of a wasted No. 8 overall pick from two years ago. Rookie fifth-round pick Trey Caldwell, Charles Gaines and Pierre Desir will vie to survive cuts.
Safety
Projected starters: Jordan Poyer (free) and Ibraheim Campbell (strong)
Analysis: Free-agent acquisition Rahim Moore and rookie fourth-round pick Derrick Kindred resemble insurance policies more than serious threats to Poyer and Campbell, neither of whom has been a full-time starter.
Inside linebacker
Projected starters: Demario Davis and Chris Kirksey
Analysis: The starters are set, leaving Justin Tuggle, Tank Carder, rookie seventh-round pick Scooby Wright and undrafted rookie Dominique Alexander to fight for two backup spots. Their ability to contribute on special teams will be a deciding factor.
Special teams
Projected starters: Andy Lee (punter), Charley Hughlett (long snapper), Travis Coons (kicker), running back Raheem Mostert (kickoff returner) and wide receiver Corey Coleman (punt returner)
Analysis: The Browns shuffled through kickers in the offseason, attempting to add competition for Coons. They’re clearly not sold on him after he experienced problems elevating the ball last season and had four field goals blocked. Patrick Murray will enter camp as Coons’ latest adversary. Mostert and Gilbert are promising kickoff return candidates. Coleman is a fascinating option for punt return duties with Mostert and Tramon Williams in the mix.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.