Greg Newsome II always focused on being the “best” on the field
The Cleveland Browns selected cornerback Greg Newsome II with the 26th pick in the first round of the NFL draft but he is focused on being the best. While Newsome was the fourth cornerback selected he is undeterred by his goals.
In Cleveland, Newsome will have to fight for playing time in a revamped secondary. Denzel Ward leads the way while Troy Hill was added to the cornerback room with his ability to play inside and out. That leaves Greedy Williams and Newsome to battle it out for the third cornerback spot, likely starting outside across from Ward.
Not only does Newsome have to compete with the other corners for playing time but the Browns plan to play three safeties and have talented linebackers as well that could fight for roles in coverage.
John Johnson III was added via free agency while Grant Delpit returns from missing his rookie year to join Ronnie Harrison as a very talented triumvirate of safeties. Anthony Walker and fellow rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could also make snaps more difficult to find for Newsome.
For Newsome, it has always been about being the best on the field. In a deep dive into his football history on the team site, the word “best” was used by him multiple times:
“I just wanted to be challenged,” Newsome said. “In Illinois, I had my spot solidified. At IMG, it made me compete even more. It allowed me to compete with the best of the best, and I just wanted to be the best player I could be going into college all the way.”
“(My confidence) comes from my skills,” he said. “It’s just something I’ve developed over the years, just always believing I’m the best whenever you step onto the field.
This isn’t the case of arrogance or bravado but instead a goal and a mindset. Newsome is well aware that he has earned nothing at the pro level despite being drafted in the first round:
“I know a lot of first-round picks in the past feel like they’ve made it,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’ve made anything yet.”
The Browns rookie will get every chance to prove how great he can be as a rookie but the team has goals this season beyond watching the young guys develop. Newsome, Owusu-Koramoah and the rest of the Browns young guys will only get snaps that they have earned.
Cleveland’s top pick would bet on himself being the best for the job and working hard to prove it.
