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Haden the new No. 23  in town

Browns’ top pick — and fan of LeBron James — practices for the first time.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden laughs while stretching during the NFL football team's training camp in Berea, Ohio, on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010.

(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta) Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden laughs while stretching during the NFL football team's training camp in Berea, Ohio, on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010.

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By Rusty Miller, Associated Press Updated 12:10 AM Monday, August 2, 2010

BEREA — Joe Haden is the newest No. 23 in Cleveland.

The first-round draft pick, taken seventh overall, worked out at cornerback as the Browns went through their second day of camp on Sunday, Aug. 1, before around 3,000 fans at their practice facility.

Haden and veteran corners Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright argued over who would get what number.

“I said, well, you all better give me a number besides 40 because I didn’t really like that number too much,” he said of the number he wore during rookie camp.

“We worked it out and I got 23.”

Haden said he didn’t like 40 because it didn’t make him look fast enough.

A big fan of LeBron James, who of course left Cleveland to join the Miami Heat, Haden said he was disappointed that the Cavaliers’ No. 23 had left town.

“I was a little bummed because I definitely wanted to be a season-ticket holder,” he said.

He could sure afford it. The former Florida standout held out until signing a five-year deal on Saturday worth $50 million, with $26 million guaranteed.

Coach Eric Mangini said Haden was capable of handling the pressures that come with joining the league, the big contract and adapting to the game.

“He’s a smart kid, a good person, a hardworking kid,” he said. “That will serve him well.”

During his first official practice as a Brown, Haden shared time with the other cornerbacks with whom he will battle for playing time.

At times he was matched up against receiver-kick returner Josh Cribbs — perhaps the Browns’ most popular and best-known player — but no passes were thrown in their direction.

Most people believe it will come down to Haden and Wright for the starting spot.

Haden adds speed and athleticism to a secondary that needs a dose of both. Haden, who said he is willing to contribute in a number of ways, said he has already won another job.

“I just had to bring sunflower seeds to the meetings so far,” he said of his rookie initiation. “When all the boys need sunflower seeds, I’m the sunflower seed guy.”

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