BEREA — Training camp is fast approaching for the Browns.

Rookies are scheduled to report on Monday, with the veterans coming in the next day. The Browns will then head to the Greenbrier in West Virginia on July 25 for the first of seven practices over nine days there before returning to Berea for the remainder of camp.

Leading up to the start of camp, each Browns position group is getting its moment in the spotlight. Today, the cornerbacks take center stage.

For the previous position group previews, look here:

∙ Quarterbacks

∙ Running backs

∙ Tight ends

∙ Wide receivers

∙ Offensive tackles

∙ Guards

∙ Center

∙ Defensive ends

∙ Defensive tackles

∙ Linebackers

Here's a look at the Browns cornerbacks heading into training camp.

On the Cleveland Browns roster: Cornerbacks

Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson Jr., Cameron Mitchell, Myles Harden, Khalef Hailassie, Tony Brown II, Justin Hardee Sr., Vincent Gray, Dyshawn Gray

Projected starters: Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr.

If you read the linebackers preview, you understand why there are three cornerbacks listed as projected starters instead of the normal two. It is highly likely the Browns will run three-corner looks at a higher percentage than any other look. It makes sense, considering cornerback may be the most talented position group on the roster, especially at the top end. Ward is coming off his third Pro Bowl season since being the No. 4 pick in the 2018 draft. He remains one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. Newsome, the 2021 first-round pick, typically would be the other outside cornerback in a base look. However, especially in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme, he has excelled in the slot when they've gone to three cornerbacks. When they do go to three cornerbacks, that puts Emerson on the field. The third-year former third-round pick has been one of the best draft picks of general manager Andrew Berry's tenure. Emerson has seen his national profile grow this offseason, with several pointing to his ability in press coverage as among the best in the league.

One to watch: Cameron Mitchell

A year ago, Mitchell was one of the Browns' fifth-round draft picks who, because of injuries, found himself thrown into the mix quickly. The former Northwestern University product made the most of the opportunities, making some big plays along the way. However, Mitchell wasn't on the field for minicamp due to injury, which opened the door for others to get reps over him while also prevent him from getting developmental reps. Still it's fair to look at Mitchell as someone who could factor into the mix, especially if health issues impact those ahead of him. The question, though, concerns the number of players like Hardee, Brown and others, whose primary role may be special teams, but who could also factor in at cornerback depending on the situation. Could that create a numbers pinch that impacts Mitchell? Has he done enough to fit securely in the Browns plans for this season?

Potential training camp battle: Cameron Mitchell and Myles Harden

Mitchell has already been discussed above. Harden, in some ways, is for this training camp what Mitchell was a year ago. He's a late-round draft pick whose scouting report makes for an intriguing prospect. Add to that the fact Harden came from an FCS Division I school in South Dakota, which means adjusting to a significant jump in level of talent. If Harden shows the same kind of promise in camp Mitchell did a year ago, does that allow him to push for a roster spot? Does that potentially, because of a numbers game, create a pseudo head-to-head competition to be the fourth or fifth cornerback?

Impact of injuries entering training camp

Mitchell didn't participate in on-field drills during minicamp. There was no word about any long-term concerns.

Ward didn't practice on the last day of minicamp. That also didn't create any cause for concern for the team for training camp.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns training camp preview: Denzel Ward and cornerbacks