Leon

McFadden

McFadden was viewed by most teams as a slot corner coming out of San Diego State, but the Browns plan start him opposite Joe Haden. With only Buster Skrine currently ahead of him on the depth chart, McFadden will be forced into significant playing time as a rookie. At 5-foot-9 5/8, 193, McFadden is undersized and will likely struggle in coverage against bigger receivers.

McFadden, Buster Skrine and Chris Owens are all competing for the No. 2 corner job opposite Joe Haden. Expect the battle to go deep into camp. The Browns have a very strong front seven, but the secondary is going to be a question mark. At 5'9/183, McFadden is a threat to get picked on via fades if he wins the job.

If McFadden wins the job, he’ll cover No. 2 receivers with Joe Haden mirroring No. 1s. Buster Skrine would cover slot receivers. Although McFadden is a solid NFL prospect, he stands under 5-foot-10 and is likely to struggle with taller receivers like A.J. Green in the AFC North. He will be picked on as a rookie.

McFadden (5-foot-9 5/8, 193) was a 3 1/2-year starter for the Aztecs at outside corner, logging 13 career tackles for loss and eight interceptions, including two pick-sixes as a senior. Smallish with short arms (32 3/8") and 4.54 speed, McFadden was viewed by most teams as a slot corner during the pre-draft process. He’s quick in a short area with high football IQ, and has been called “an absolutely terrific player” by Greg Cosell. McFadden should compete for a starting job in Cleveland opposite Joe Haden.

McFadden, the No. 68 overall pick, ran with the second-team defense during spring practices, but he is squarely in the mix to start opposite Joe Haden. NFL Films guru Greg Cosell called him “an absolutely terrific player” in the pre-draft process, despite his small stature (5-foot-9 5/8, 193). McFadden will compete with Buster Skrine and Chris Owens for the No. 2 cornerback job.

McFadden has been getting snaps as a safety in dime packages over the last two weeks and will take over as the No. 3 corner for the rest of the season with Chris Owens on injured reserve. “He has my trust to go into a game,” DC Ray Horton said. “He’s prepared hard. Worked hard on the field, and earned his chance. He is one of our starters-in-waiting, and I expect him to do well.”

Haden was trying to make a tackle in open field when he got bumped by Bears T Jermon Bushrod. It looked like he took a knee to the hip area. Haden walked under his own power, but went to the locker room and was later ruled out for the day. He’s been replaced by Leon McFadden. Before leaving, Haden was getting roasted by Brandon Marshall.

A third-round pick of the Browns in 2013, McFadden made two appearances for the Giants last season after being signed off the Cards’ practice squad in October. He is still only 25, but he is running out of chances.

McFadden gives Dallas depth with Morris Claiborne out 4-6 weeks. A 2013 third-round pick of the Browns, McFadden will be active against his former team Sunday, but won’t be more than the No. 4 corner.

McFadden was in the mix for one of the Cowboys’ final roster spots. He could be cut loose with an injury settlement once he’s back to full health.