BEREA — Terry Cousin believes he’s the perfect man to help solve the Browns’ crisis at cornerback.
Cousin, who signed a two-year deal last week, joined organized team activities Tuesday and talked to the media for the first time Wednesday following practice. He stepped into the spot of nickelback and came prepared to ease concerns of the front office and fans that a depleted cornerback position could undermine a promising season.
“I think I’m the best at what I do,” Cousin said. “I feel I can help in many ways. Not only on defense, but special teams, too. I love special teams. It continues to keep that competitive nature in me.
“I’m here to do a job, and I’m here to win.”
Cousin (5-foot-9, 185 pounds) was available because he couldn’t work out a deal to remain in Jacksonville, where he’d spent the last three years. He’s played 11 seasons in the NFL and started 68 games. The experience is a benefit, but it also means he’s 33 years old.
That’s getting up there in the NFL.
“Actually I’m pretty young, being 33,” he said. “It’s like dog years in the NFL. You’re 33 and they think you’re old.
“I feel great, man. I feel like I’m playing better than I ever have. I’m mature, I’m seasoned, I’m battle-tested. I really don’t care about age. More than anything, you have to have a competitive heart to you.”
Cousin believes his decade in the league will enable him to pick up the defensive scheme right away and provide leadership for Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, second-year pros expected to win the starting jobs.
“I’ve been in a leadership role all my career,” Cousin said. “I want those guys to see what’s out there and be prepared for it. I’m not going to hide any information from them. I’ve seen a lot in my 12 years.
“It’s good to have young guys back there. Those guys are intelligent. They’ve gone through a season where they’ve seen a lot of things thrown at them, been under fire. You gotta let them play.”
Cousin’s signing became crucial following Daven Holly’s season-ending knee injury, the offseason trade of Leigh Bodden and the release of Kenny Wright following two arrests. The Browns aren’t done scouring the market.
“We’re looking to see what’s out there,” said coach Romeo Crennel, who added cornerback is the team’s No. 1 priority. “If we find something we like, we’ll probably do it. If we don’t find anything we like, then we’ll go with what we’ve got.”
Cousin was the first step in fixing the problem.
“For the role we’ll probably use him in, I think he’ll be a good fit,” Crennel said.
Cousin will begin as the nickelback and has experience in the slot. But if Eric Wright or McDonald gets hurt or struggles, Cousin could be a capable starting replacement, at least temporarily.
He has 533 tackles, 12 interceptions, 6½ sacks, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his career. He played 16 games last year, including two starts, as the nickelback for the Jaguars. He had 65 tackles, a sack, an interception and six passes defensed.
“I know I was a key part of that team,” Cousin said. “They just made a choice to go with somebody else. You’ve got to talk to Coach (Jack) Del Rio.”
But Cousin isn’t upset about the change. In fact, he’s excited about the possibilities in Cleveland.
“This team was on the verge of doing something great last year,” he said. “You can’t discount what they’ve done.”

Jurevicius, Heiden not ready for minicamp

Receiver Joe Jurevicius and tight end Steve Heiden won’t be healthy enough to participate in minicamp June 10-12, but coach Romeo Crennel expects them to be ready for training camp in late July.
Jurevicius, who said 2008 will likely be his final NFL season, had arthroscopic knee surgery following the season, then developed a staph infection. The Browns termed the setback minor, but Jurevicius, 33, hasn’t participated in the organized team activities this month and won’t be back for minicamp.
“He might be a guy we try to get to training camp,” Crennel said Wednesday following an OTA practice. “He is beginning to run a little bit. It’s easy running. He’s coming along good.”
Heiden had back surgery in April to repair a bulging disc. He is rehabbing at the team facility and watched the end of practice Wednesday. Crennel said he’s running in the pool.
“He’ll be ready for training camp, if not before,” Crennel said.

Injury update II

Crennel said cornerback Daven Holly will remain in the hospital for a couple more days following major knee surgery. Crennel didn’t reveal the exact damage, but said Holly had multiple ligaments and some cartilage repaired.
Crennel said the surgery was a success, but Holly will miss the season.
• Guard Ryan Tucker (hip) is resting at home following surgery. He’s expected to be out until August.
• Safety Sean Jones twisted an ankle last week and was limited in practice.
• Linebacker/special teamer Shantee Orr left practice with back spasms.

Lerner not U.K.-bound

Browns owner Randy Lerner denied a report that he’ll establish a permanent residence in the Midlands of England and take on the day-to-day duties of chief executive officer of Aston Villa, the British soccer team he owns.
“To clarify recent reports, I’m not becoming a permanent resident/citizen of the U.K.,” Lerner said in an e-mail. “I will not be changing the amount of time I spend with either the Browns or Aston Villa, nor will I be assuming the title or role of chief executive officer of Villa.”
The original report was in The Guardian, a newspaper in England.

Edwards absent

Receiver Braylon Edwards wasn’t at practice for what Crennel termed personal reasons. Edwards suffered a hip pointer last week and hasn’t practiced since.
“We rested him a couple days so he can take care of it,” Crennel said. “I expect him to practice when he gets back.”
Running back Jamal Lewis, linebacker Willie McGinest and defensive lineman Corey Williams were also absent for personal reasons.

Ex-Pat on the way?

Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin told Sirius NFL Radio that the Browns and Jets have contacted his agent with interest in signing the free agent. Colvin played for New England for the last five years, including two when Crennel was defensive coordinator.
“He’s a good pro, he’s a good player,” Crennel said. “Our priority right now has to be corner and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Colvin, 30, had four sacks in 11 games last year. He has 52½ in nine seasons and could add depth at outside linebacker.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com. 

 

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