Sheldon

Brown

Brown had shoulder surgery this offseason.

Talk of Brown changing positions began in 2010 and carried over to last offseason as well, though it’s never come to fruition. Now 33, Brown’s effectiveness in man coverage is waning. He began to lose snaps to Dimitri Patterson and Buster Skrine late last season.

In terms of one-on-one coverage ability, Brown’s effectiveness is declining sharply at age 32. He’s losing snaps to Dimitri Patterson and sixth-round rookie Buster Skrine, a sign that Cleveland may not want to pay his $3.7 million base salary next year. Brown has never played safety in his career.

Dockery went undrafted last season, but made the team with a strong training camp and preseason. He played only 13 defensive snaps, however, and was inactive for the team’s final three games. His main contributions will come on special teams this season.

Last year’s nickel back, Patterson will push Sheldon Brown at right cornerback. Jauron believes there’s “no reason to doubt” Brown even if he clearly lost a step last season. Buster Skrine and seventh-round rookie Trevin Wade are expected to challenge for dime back duties.

“Sheldon Brown is never going to play safety unless some disaster happens,” Heckert said. “You can put that to bed.” There have been rumblings of a position switch for Brown since his Philly days, but it’s not happening in Cleveland. Now 33, Brown will be pushed for the No. 2 corner job by Dimitri Patterson and Buster Skrine. Usama Young and T.J. Ward are the Browns’ starting safeties.

Brown’s absence proved critical. Buster Skrine came on to cover Jeremy Maclin and was attacked repeatedly by the Eagles. If Brown can’t go next week, Andy Dalton and the Bengals’ passing game gets a little boost.

Brown missed the Week 2 loss to the Bengals due to a shoulder/neck injury. He’s back now, but will only play in the nickel package. The Browns want to see what they have in Skrine while Joe Haden serves his suspension. It’s a favorable turn of events for opposing passing attacks, starting with the Bills this week.

Cleveland’s pass defense got smoked by Jeremy Maclin after Brown left the opener, as the Eagles picked on Buster Skrine. Brown is 33 years old and gradually fading, but he’s still Cleveland’s second best cover man behind Joe Haden.

Brown and Lito Sheppard have proved more than capable replacements for Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor this year. Brown especially has made big plays and is a sure tackler.