After claiming a new defensive tackle off the waiver wire earlier in the week, the Cleveland Browns were not done making roster moves. Today, they have added a new undrafted free agent cornerback to their roster, Michael Coates Jr. In order to make room for Coats on their roster, the Browns have parted ways with veteran tight end Sal Cannella.
An older prospect, Coats enters the NFL at the age of 25. He spent time at Nevada and West Virginia during his college career. This past season with the Mountaineers, Coats racked up two tackles for loss and seven passes defended. He started every game at West Virginia this past season.
How Coats factors into the Browns’ plan
The Browns lack depth at the cornerback position, so Coats making the final 53-man roster is not out of the realm of possibility. Outside of Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, there is not an established player at the cornerback position on the Browns’ roster.
Coats will be competing with the likes of Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, D’Angelo Ross, Dom Jones, and Tre Avery for a chance to make the final 53-man roster. However, he does not solve the one need the Browns still have at the position: a reliable nickel cornerback. He played exclusively outside this past season at West Virginia.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns sign new UDFA cornerback; waive veteran tight end to make room
Reporting by Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
