And a third cover cornerback would be nice. D’Angelo Ross was re-signed in free agency, and Myles Bryant was inked from the Houston Texans.
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The Browns have two really good cornerbacks already in Pro Bowler Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, who came over from the Jacksonville Jaguars last year in a trade. It was thought that M.J. Emerson would be re-signed and was offered a one-year deal with Cleveland. But he chose to sign with the New Orleans Saints instead.
The Cleveland Browns went into the 2026 offseason with several positions of need, all of which had a gold star next to their notation: Receiver, safety, and offensive tackle.
The need for a third cornerback remained unsettled. Plenty of prospects in the draft, but GM Andrew Berry selected a safety and not another cornerback.
Instead, after the draft had concluded, he reportedly signed four defensive backs with safety 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 name stands out: Evans.
Who is Evans? Why is he looked at to make the final roster despite not being drafted?
Beginnings
Evans grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and attended Frank Cox High School. He played football and was one of those rare athletes in that he started all four years. He also played both ways at receiver in his sophomore year and cornerback throughout his tenure until graduation.
He gained 122 all-purpose yards with a 14.2 yards per reception average.
High School accolades:
- Three-star recruit
- Nation’s #64 cornerback recruit
Evans received scholarship offers from Tennessee, East Carolina, Virginia Tech, Charlotte, North Carolina State, Baylor, Florida State, Kentucky, Maryland, Pitt, Liberty, South Carolina, Virginia, Southern Miss, Old Dominion, Penn State, and Toledo.
At first, he committed to Tennessee. Then, in June of 2020, he committed to NC State. In his first two years, he only played in three games each season, mainly on special teams.
Getting very few snaps on defense, Evans entered the transfer portal in December 2023 and committed to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens in January 2024. That season, he had two starts but played in all 11 games with 16 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 6 pass breakups, and an interception.
In his final season, he started all 13 games and had 38 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 8 batted passes, and 3 interceptions. That’s 14 pass breakups and four picks in the past two seasons. Then in the Venture Bowl, Evans was voted the game’s MVP.
His Pro Day results:
Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 175 pounds
Hand: 8”
Arm: 30 3/4”
Wingspan: 71 3/4”
40-yard dash: 4.45
10-yard shuttle: 1.50
3-cone: 7.12
225-pound bench press: 16 reps
Vertical jump: 34”
Broad jump: 10’1”
College games: 30
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @Naateevans
Instagram: @naateevans
What should Browns fans expect from Evans?
He is a ballhawk. Evans has the ability to swat away passes on a regular basis and had four interceptions while at Delaware. Very quick to break on the ball is his superpower. He consistently reaches around receivers to avoid flags while disrupting throws. Berry gave Evans a bonus for an undrafted rookie, plus a guarantee. Since he wasn’t drafted, he will come to work every day and show the team he is a strong contributor. Since the Browns didn’t draft a cornerback, it stands that Evans will have a good chance of making the final roster.
WHY HE COULD SUCCEED:
Well-proportioned as a corner with long arms, with plenty of room for additional weight at the next level. Possesses functional power with good hand-eye coordination. Once the pass arrives, Evans has very active arms and hands. Overall awareness in coverage.
Berry reportedly inked Evans to a $115,000 guarantee with a $5,000 bonus, so it is clear Berry believes he has staying ability.
College accolades:
- 2025 68 Ventures Bowl Defensive MVP
- 2025 Phil Steele All-CUSA Third Team
- 2025 Athlon Preseason CUSA Third Team
- 2024 All-CAA Honorable Mention (CB) selection
- All-American candidate
WHY HE COULD FAIL:
The fact that he went undrafted means NFL clubs don’t see anything significant from him. Evans has above-average speed and just adequate overall quickness. Not especially physical in press coverage or the run game. Needs to utilize size better, while jamming too often falls behind due to false steps. Average width across shoulders and chest, and overall strength is a question mark. Special teams player right off, but projects as an eventual starter on the outside.
