Martin

Emerson

If true, the Browns corner would likely be lost for the season. Nik Needham and 2023 fifth-rounder Cameron Mitchell will vie to fill the role that Emerson leaves behind after starting 27 games over the past two years. It’s possible that Greg Newsome will move outside in early-down sets. Emerson was in the final year of his rookie deal and will likely be a prove-it deal candidate in 2026 if he misses the year.

This one has the makings of a devastating injury for the fourth-year corner, who has started 27 games over the past two years for the Browns. Nik Needham and 2023 fifth-rounder Cameron Mitchell are among the corners lower on the depth chart that would compete for a starting role if Emerson is lost for the season.

Emerson was briefly labeled questionable in the first half before officially being ruled out. Only Grant Delpit has played more snaps for the Browns’ defense this season, though Emerson has been a liability in coverage. He’s week to week.

The second-year pro has been an every-snap player this season, performing admirably on the outside. Hopefully he is dealing with “just” a deep bruise and not a break.

It is the Browns’ first pick of the draft. Emerson (6’2/200) quickly earned playing time as a freshman, but his coming-out party was his sophomore campaign. To cap things off, his final season in Starksville featured some regression, with only two PBUs and career-worst marks in yards (175), touchdowns (three), and passer rating allowed (100.6). Emerson has all the size and length you want in an outside corner, and he is quick to read the receivers’ release and has the fluidity in his hips to run with them. Where he struggles is with the ball in the air. He has only one career pick. He nevertheless has enough potential to be a future No. 2.

Emerson (6'2/200) has come a long way since joining Mississippi as a three-star recruit from the 2019 class. Emerson was the Bulldogs’ highest-graded defensive player on Pro Football Focus this season, posting a an overall grade of 78.4, and a coverage grade of 78.8 which ranked 39th on PFF.com. This season, Emerson started every game for the Bulldogs, and totaled 49 tackles along with two pass breakups. He was targeted on 50 passes this season, and allowed 29 receptions for 358 yards and three touchdowns. For his career, Emerson has allowed 74 receptions on 131 targets for 871 yards and six touchdowns, surrendering a quarterback rating of 88.9.

Emerson (6'2/185) received offers from the likes of Miami, Nebraska and Ole Miss before settling in with the Bulldogs thanks in part to the efforts of Mississippi State CB coach Terrell Buckley, who served as the lead recruiter for the Pensacola corner. On the 247Sports composite board, Emerson slots in as the No. 136 prospect in the state of Florida for the 2019 cycle.