Browns’ third-round draft pick is expected to excel
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.'s shoulder popped out when he tackled an opponent in Mississippi State's 2020 season opener, and he begged an athletic trainer to let him return to action against Louisiana State. Playing with essentially a single arm, Emerson immediately entered the fray with another tackle, prompting his position coach, Darcel Mcbath, to pull him out in the third quarter.
“That just showed his toughness,” Mcbath said. “The next week, you would think he would be out for a few days. No, he didn't miss a rep in practice. To me, that kind of sums him up. It's who he is. He loves ball. He loves practice. He loves to get better.”
Emerson's passion for football is among the reasons Mcbath believes the Browns will be pleased with their decision to select him in the third round of the NFL draft. After general manager Andrew Berry traded down 24 spots, he chose Emerson 68th overall, making him Clevland's first pick this year.
Emerson's former coaches admire the way he comports himself. He's confident and competitive. He received honor-roll recognition in the SEC in 2019 and 2020. He also carried a grade-point average of more than 3.5, Mcbath said.
At Mississippi State, Emerson started five of 13 games in 2019, compiling 32 tackles, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and an interception.
He became a full-time starter as a sophomore in 2020 and had 72 tackles to go along with a team-high 11 passes defensed in 11 games.
Last season as a junior, Emerson started all 12 games before declaring for the draft and opting out of the Liberty Bowl. He finished with 50 tackles, including three for a loss, and three passes defensed.
Emerson has prototypical size for his position. He measured 6 feet, 1 5/8 inches and 201 pounds at the combine, where he posted an official time of 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
“I think he's pro ready right now,” Mcbath said, “and I'm excited to see him get the opportunity because I think he's going to excel.”
Barring injury, Emerson will begin his career as a backup because Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome are entrenched as the starting cornerbacks.
The Browns consider Emerson primarily an outside corner. That's where he played for the Bulldogs, although he practiced in the slot on occasion.
It would come as no surprise if Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods were to cross-train Emerson during training camp. A more likely scenario, though, would be Emerson competing with Greedy Williams and A.J. Green for playing time as the No. 3 corner who would line up on the outside as Newsome moves to nickelback.
Either way, Woods places a premium on versatility, and Emerson will have a chance to prove he possesses it.