BEREA – The Browns used the pick they acquired in trading Andre Davis to the
Patriots to select Demario Minter from Georgia.
Phil Savage likes Minter’s game experience as he’s played in 49 games in the
past four seasons.
“Demario is a player with a lot of game experience,” Savage said. “He should
be familiar with some of the defenses that are taught here.”
Minter was All-SEC second team selection by the NFL Draft Report. He started
every game at the strong-side cornerback with 48 tackles.
“This is a dream come true for me to come to Cleveland and play for the
Browns,” Minter said.
Minter says his style of play is patterned after NFL stars Champ Bailey,
Deion Sanders and Darrell Green.
“I love Green’s knowledge of the game,” he said. “I love Deion’s cockiness
and I love Champ’s style. I try to pattern myself after all three. I am a very
good cover guy and I can be physical if I have to.”
Savage said Minter will be in the mix with Antonio Perkins, Leigh Bodden,
Gary Baxter and Daylon McCutcheon.
“With our situation at corner, we felt a corner would be a good add for us in
the fifth round.”
With the Browns, Minter is re-united with former Bulldog teammate Sean Jones.
“Sean and I talked when I was there for a visit,” he said. “He mentored me
and showed me the ropes at Georgia. I’m glad he’s there.”
Minter assesses his strengths and weaknesses.
“My strength is I’m a very physical corner,” he said. “I think I do
everything good and that has helped me to play well at Georgia.
“The knock on me was I only had two interceptions in my career,” he said. “I
have to work on making plays when the ball comes my way.”
There was a situation that Minter had a brush with the law in 2003, but that
is behind him.
Minter said he and several others were taken into custody for possession of
marijuana.
“It was just a bunch of guys doing some stupid stuff,” Minter said.
Savage agreed and said he had no qualms with Minter’s character.
“A situation arose and it was very minor,” Savage said. “He has had no issues
since. He’s a good person.”
Minter is realistic about his chances but relishes the opportunity.
“I have no expectations coming in,” Minter said. “I want to start, but I know
it might take a couple of years to work my way in, but I think I can do that.”