Browns trade with Eagles for two defensive starters

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

The Cleveland Browns acquired cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for linebacker Alex Hall and two draft picks on Friday. The fourth- and fifth-round selections are the Nos. 105 and 137 overall in this month’s three-day draft.

Cleveland general manager Tom Heckert, who spent the previous four seasons as Philadelphia’s GM, returned to his roots to continue an overhaul of the Browns’ defense, which ranked last in the AFC last season and gave up less yardage than only the Detroit Lions.

Brown, a former Pro Bowler who hasn’t missed a game since becoming a full-time starter in 2004, will likely move into Cleveland’s starting lineup on the opposite side of Eric Wright, who made 16 starts last season at left cornerback. Brandon McDonald made six starts on the right side, with Mike Adams getting the other six.

Gocong started 35 games in four seasons with Philadelphia. He had just signed a one-year deal.

The Browns still have 10 picks in the draft, but the arrival of Brown could change their early round strategy.