What MJ Emerson Jr. brings at cornerback

The Browns believe Emerson’s length could provide an immediate boost at the cornerbacks position, granted he adjusts well to the increased speed, physicality and overall difficulty of receivers in the NFL. His big body, however, should give him an immediate advantage in his acclimation process, which has gone well from Howard’s perspective on the practice fields.

Howard’s process in finding Emerson started with his college tape, which was full of plays against some of the top receivers in the nation, such as Treylon Burks (Arkansas), Jameson Williams and John Metchie III (both Alabama). Burks and Williams were first-round picks, and Metchie was a second-round selection.

Howard particularly loved one play Emerson made against Williams. After leaving Williams with a few yards of cushion, he read the break in his route and then followed him step-by-step as he attempted to cut and sprint away.

“Sticky” is the term used to describe that type of play by a defender, and Emerson displayed plenty of stick against the nimble-footed Williams.

“We want guys who, if they’re going to play off, they’re going to be able to get sticky on these intermediate routes,” Howard said. “He lets him take his cushion, lets him break and then stays on his hip.”

A big-bodied cornerback can also become a reliable tackler. Emerson recorded 50 tackles, including three for a loss, as a junior and didn’t shy away from one-on-one tackles, which can often be tough plays for cornerbacks.

Even better — Emerson was durable. Even though he constantly propelled his body toward tacklers, injuries were never an issue for him. He played 36 consecutive games until he opted out of the bowl game his final season.

Both those traits are hard to find at cornerback, but Emerson clearly excelled at both in Mississippi State. In the same game against Alabama, he made a few stops that required a fast, physical and solo tackle.

“You like to see how they handle contact,” Howard said. “When it comes to tackles, are they…