Northeast Ohio native Denzel Ward headlines Browns' talented secondary

[ASFN Admin]

BEREA ― Less than a week from now, on July 29, the Browns will hold their first full-squad training camp practice.

This continues our Browns training camp preview series looking at each of the team's position groups. This preview takes a look at the defensive backs, a group with some of the longest-tenured players in the organization.

Let's dive into the position group that has some of the most talented players on the roster, including a native-son player whose future with the team remains in limbo even as he says he wants to stay with the team.

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What DBs are on Cleveland Browns 90-man roster entering 2026 training camp?​

• Tre Avery, CB: 10 games played, 0 starts, 5 combined tackles in 2025
• Myles Bryant, CB: 11 games played, 3 starts, 40 combined tackles in 2025
• Tyson Campbell, CB: 17 games played (5 with Jacksonville Jaguars), 17 starts (5 with Jaguars), 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 18 passes defensed, 87 combined tackles in 2025
• Michael Coats, CB: At West Virginia University in 2025
• Grant Delpit, S: 17 games played, 16 starts, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 sacks, 4 pass defensed, 80 combined tackles in 2025
• Christopher Edmonds, S: 9 games played, 0 starts, 7 combined tackles in 2025
• Nate Evans, CB: At University of Delaware in 2025
• Myles Harden, CB:16 games played, 5 starts, 4 passes defensed, 40 combined tackles
• Tyron Herring, S: On Green Bay Packers practice squad in 2025
• Ronnie Hickman, S: 17 games played, 17 starts, 2 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, 100 combined tackles
• Damarri Mathis, CB: On injured reserve (ACL) for Carolina Panthers in 2025
• Donovon McMillon, S: 17 games played, 0 starts, 1 sack, 2 combined tackles
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S: At the University of Toledo in 2025
• D'Angelo Ross, CB: 7 games played, 0 starts, 2 passes defensed, 5 combined tackles in 2025
• Daniel Thomas, S: 12 games played with Detroit Lions, 2 starts, 2 passes defensed, 23 combined tackles in 2025
• Denzel Ward, CB: 15 games played, 15 starts, 1 interception, 9 passes defensed, 39 combined tackles in 2025
• Zion Washington, S: At Boise State University in 2025

What is main 2026 training camp storyline for Cleveland Browns DBs?​

Ward, Delpit and McNeil-Warren were not participants in the on-field drills during minicamp and OTAs. That prevented the Browns from getting an early look on what should be a strength of the defense. Campbell, though, was a full participant throughout the offseason, allowing him to take advantage of something he didn't have after being traded to Cleveland from Jacksonville in early October. Now, the question is whether his five-time Pro Bowl counterpart might not make it through the season. With Myles Garrett having already been traded, eyes have gone squarely to Ward as a potential target for a contender looking for cornerback help. Ward has been steadfast that he wants to remain in Northeast Ohio, where he grew up in Macedonia, and the Browns have shown no inclination of trading him either.

Cleveland Browns DB to keep an eye on during 2026 training camp​

McNeil-Warren is a player a whole lot of people have talked about, but not a whole lot has yet been seen. The second-round pick was present throughout the offseason program after he was drafted. However, an undisclosed injury prevented him from participating in almost all on-field drills, at least those open to the media. McNeil-Warren's versatility is something that attracted the Browns to him. Being able to see him on the field and working with the various secondary combinations will be fascinating to watch.

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How do Browns DBs emerge from 2026 training camp?​

Ward and Campbell at the corners and the safety trio of Delpit, Hickman and McNeil-Warren has the potential to be one of the better secondary groups in the league. Harden fits more as a nickelback than on the perimeter, where the questions about depth after the starters remains to be seen. That, of course, is what training camp is for developing.

Chris Easterling can be reached at [email protected]. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Northeast Ohio native Denzel Ward headlines Browns' talented secondary

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