Selecting Clarence Scott with the 14th overall pick in 1971 paid off immediately for a Cleveland defense looking for a blue-chip cornerstone. The consensus All-American out of Kansas State stepped straight onto the field as a rookie starter at cornerback, launching what would become a 13-year career spent entirely in orange and brown.

Scott relied on smooth hips, sharp instincts, and disciplined technique to shut down outer passing lanes. He hauled in four interceptions during his inaugural campaign and hit his individual stride in 1973, picking off five passes to earn a Pro Bowl selection. A model of consistency, Scott snagged at least two interceptions in 12 of his 13 seasons, recording four picks in four separate campaigns while regularly matching up against the opponent's top wideouts.

His durability proved as vital to the Browns as his ball-hawking skills. Over his 13 years with the team, Scott played in 186 regular-season games, including an incredible streak of 178 consecutive appearances. As he entered the second act of his career, he seamlessly transitioned from cornerback to free safety for his final five seasons. The move provided veteran command to the back end of the secondary, helping guide the defensive unit through the high-flying "Kardiac Kids" era and capturing two division titles along the way.

By the time he retired after the 1983 season, Scott had accumulated 39 career interceptions (returning two for touchdowns) and recovered 11 fumbles.  The franchise officially enshrined his lifetime of defensive leadership by naming him a Cleveland Browns Legend in 2012.