And a 3rd cowl cornerback can be good. D’Angelo Ross was re-signed in free company, and Myles Bryant was inked from the Houston Texans.
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The Browns have two actually good cornerbacks already in Professional Bowler Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, who came to visit from the Jacksonville Jaguars final 12 months in a commerce. It was thought that M.J. Emerson can be re-signed and was provided a one-year take care of Cleveland. However he selected to signal with the New Orleans Saints as an alternative.
The Cleveland Browns went into the 2026 offseason with a number of positions of want, all of which had a gold star subsequent to their notation: Receiver, security, and offensive sort out.
The necessity for a 3rd cornerback remained unsettled. Loads of prospects within the draft, however GM Andrew Berry chosen a security and never one other cornerback.
As an alternative, after the draft had concluded, he reportedly signed 4 defensive backs with security Zion Washington (Boise State), and three cornerbacks: DeCarlos Nicholson (USC), Michael Coats, Jr. (West Virginia), and Nate Evans (Delaware).
Out of this group of undrafted rookies, one title stands out: Evans.
Who’s Evans? Why is he checked out to make the ultimate roster regardless of not being drafted?
Evans grew up in Virginia Seashore, Virginia, and attended Frank Cox Excessive College. He performed soccer and was a type of uncommon athletes in that he began all 4 years. He additionally performed each methods at receiver in his sophomore 12 months and cornerback all through his tenure till commencement.
He gained 122 all-purpose yards with a 14.2 yards per reception common.
Three-star recruitNation’s #64 cornerback recruit
Evans obtained scholarship provides from Tennessee, East Carolina, Virginia Tech, Charlotte, North Carolina State, Baylor, Florida State, Kentucky, Maryland, Pitt, Liberty, South Carolina, Virginia, Southern Miss, Outdated Dominion, Penn State, and Toledo.
At first, he dedicated to Tennessee. Then, in June of 2020, he dedicated to NC State. In his first two years, he solely performed in three video games every season, primarily on particular groups.
Delaware defenders (from left) Nate Evans, Ok.T. Seay and Marc Viechec corral Sacred Coronary heart’s John Michalski within the first quarter at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. William Bretzger/Delaware Information Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Pictures
Getting only a few snaps on protection, Evans entered the switch portal in December 2023 and dedicated to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens in January 2024. That season, he had two begins however performed in all 11 video games with 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 6 move breakups, and an interception.
In his closing season, he began all 13 video games and had 38 complete tackles, 1 sort out for loss, 1 sack, 8 batted passes, and three interceptions. That’s 14 move breakups and 4 picks up to now two seasons. Then within the Enterprise Bowl, Evans was voted the sport’s MVP.
225-pound bench press: 16 reps
What ought to Browns followers anticipate from Evans?
He’s a ballhawk. Evans has the flexibility to swat away passes frequently and had 4 interceptions whereas at Delaware. Very fast to interrupt on the ball is his superpower. He constantly reaches round receivers to keep away from flags whereas disrupting throws. Berry gave Evans a bonus for an undrafted rookie, plus a assure. Since he wasn’t drafted, he’ll come to work day-after-day and present the workforce he’s a powerful contributor. Because the Browns didn’t draft a cornerback, it stands that Evans may have a superb likelihood of creating the ultimate roster.
Effectively-proportioned as a nook with lengthy arms, with loads of room for added weight on the subsequent stage. Possesses practical energy with good hand-eye coordination. As soon as the move arrives, Evans has very lively arms and arms. Total consciousness in protection.
Berry reportedly inked Evans to a $115,000 assure with a $5,000 bonus, so it’s clear Berry believes he has staying potential.
2025 68 Ventures Bowl Defensive MVP2025 Phil Steele All-CUSA Third Team2025 Athlon Preseason CUSA Third Team2024 All-CAA Honorable Point out (CB) selectionAll-American candidate
The truth that he went undrafted means NFL golf equipment don’t see something important from him. Evans has above-average velocity and simply enough total quickness. Not particularly bodily in press protection or the run recreation. Must make the most of measurement higher, whereas jamming too typically falls behind on account of false steps. Common width throughout shoulders and chest, and total energy is a query mark. Particular groups participant proper off, however tasks as an eventual starter on the surface.
