Sheldon Brown learned from veteran cornerback Troy Vincent when the two played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Still a solid pass defender, Brown looks to pass his knowledge on to the Browns young DB's.
The Philadelphia Eagles' Sheldon Brown (24) trying to break up a pass to the New England Patriots' Deion Branch (83) during the 2004 season Super Bowl.When an NFL team loses 11 of its first 12 games like the Cleveland Browns did last season, there are a lot of weaknesses to address in the offseason. That reality did not change when the Browns closed the season on a four-game winning streak.
One of the position groups the Browns knew they needed to bolster was the defensive backfield. They took steps in that direction during the draft. And, when they acquired accomplished veteran cornerback Sheldon Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Writes Matt Florjancic for ClevelandBrowns.com:
In Philadelphia, Brown learned how to be a professional from former Eagles defensive back Troy Vincent. Vincent spent 15 years in the NFL, including eight with the Eagles, four with the Dolphins, three with the Bills and his final year, in 2006, with the Redskins.
During his career, Vincent defended 50 passes, including a personal-best 24 in 2001. He also had 47 career interceptions and returned 3 for touchdowns. Vincent scored on interception returns of 58, 69 and 90 yards.
Fast forward eight years and now Brown finds himself in the role of mentor to the other Browns defensive backs. Brown is especially looking forward to working with the team’s draft picks from April in defensive back
Joe Haden , along with safeties T.J. Ward andLarry Asante .
“Joe’s been great,” said Brown. “He’s one of those guys that grabbed me immediately, as soon as I walked in, and he’s willing to learn and listen. He kind of reminds me of when I came in. Troy Vincent was there with all of his knowledge. He’s willing to listen and I’m willing to give it to him.
“They’re willing to learn,” he added. “They’re willing to listen and they have been great thus far. They are flying around, that’s what’s important."
About the Browns
Plain Dealer Browns coverage includes beat writer Tony Grossi's NFL Insider and his "Hey, Tony;" beat writer Mary Kay Cabot's story about newly-acquired linebacker Scott Fujita; columnist "Terry Pluto's Talkin.' "
Impact player?
Defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin made significant contributions to the Browns last season, and could be even more of a factor in 2010. Writes Mike Wilkening for ProFootballWeekly.com:
Rubin, who turns 24 in July, impressed when he got a chance to start in place of (Shaun) Rogers at the end of the '09 campaign, notching 14 tackles in five starts and thriving with increased playing time. Such was Rubin's progress that head coach Eric Mangini has hinted that Rogers could move to end in the Browns' 3-4 scheme this season.
"We talked about that a little bit," Mangini told Cleveland reporters at the club's rookie minicamp in May, "and have to take a look at it, I think, have to see how (it) looks and look at (Rogers) at the right side and the left side.
"I think Rubin did a nice job last year. I'm excited about seeing his continued growth. I think he played well and I think he made a really strong case to continue to play and that's a good thing."