Safety is widely projected as a position of need for the Cleveland Browns in the 2019 NFL Draft. But that sentiment might not be shared by Browns GM John Dorsey.
The GM gave a pretty solid vote of confidence to free agent signee Morgan Burnett in his pre-draft press conference on Thursday in Berea.
After weeding through nearly a dozen questions on running back Duke Johnson, Dorsey finally was able to move onto other topics. One which came up was the safety position in the draft, but also how he feels about newcomers Burnett and Eric Murray.
Dorsey signed Burnett as a free agent after the veteran spent one year in Pittsburgh. He entered the league in 2010 as a third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, and Dorsey was the team’s director of collegiate scouting during that draft.
He was asked about Burnett’s status with the Browns.
“With regards to Morgan, I think over the years he has shown his ability to play the game of football,” Dorsey stated. “I think he is a nice fit into what Steve Wilks is looking at.”
Wilks is the team’s new defensive coordinator, and he has deployed safeties like Burnett throughout his coaching career. But does Dorsey believe Burnett is worthy of starting at the other safety spot next to Damarious Randall?
“I do,” Dorsey said confidently.
Between Burnett and Murray, another former Dorsey draft pick in Kansas City, it is certainly possible the Browns are set at safety even after dealing starter Jabrill Peppers to the Giants and letting go of top reserves Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Derrick Kindred. But the right player being available in the draft next weekend could change Dorsey’s mind, too.
