Top NFL Draft Prospects Browns need to track in Cotton Bowl - Miami vs. Ohio State

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Top NFL Draft Prospects Browns need to track in Cotton Bowl - Miami vs. Ohio State originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There will be many 2026 NFL Draft prospects on display in Wednesday night's college football playoffs Cotton Bowl between the Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes.

Which ones could be fits for the Cleveland Browns?

The Browns currently own 11-picks in this April's NFL Draft. Two of which are in the first round, and eight total by the end of round five.

Ranked in order of positional importance for the team to upgrade, let's look at the draft eligible players being showcased.

MORE: NFL coaching carousel: Browns top head coach candidates

Offensive Line

Austin Siereveld, Offensive Tackle (Ohio State) - 6'5", 325-lbs, Junior

"A thick, tough lineman with a nasty temperament, an impressive grip, solid functional strength, and a strong understanding of positioning, but who lacks ideal length and athleticism for a pro tackle." - Fantasypros.com

Frances Mauigoa, Offensive Tackle (Miami) - 6'6", 315-lbs, Junior

"A densely-built, stout presence with very good play strength and square power to anchor and create movement on day one in the NFL. His adequate range in pass protection signals a classic quality collegiate tackle-to-guard convert." - Bleacher Report

Wide Receiver

Carnell Tate (Ohio State) - 6'3", 195-lbs, Junior

2025 stats: 48-receptions, 838-yards, nine touchdowns

"Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.5 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see." - ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

Quarterback

Carson Beck (Miami) - 6'4", 220-lbs, Senior

2025 stats: 26-TDs, 10-INTs, 3175-passing yards

“Beck is at his best when he’s in a clean pocket where he can pick apart defenses, but he struggles when things get muddy. Teams with a strong play-action attack and good run game could like him on Day 2.” - ESPN's Matt Miller

Defensive Back

Caleb Downs, Safety (Ohio State) - 6'0", 205-lbs, Junior

2025 stats: 57-tackles, five tackles-for-loss, two INTs, one sack, six run stops

"He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler." - ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

Keionte Scott, Cornerback (Miami) - 6'0", 192-lbs, Senior

2025 stats: 54-tackles, five sacks, one INT, two forced fumbles, five passes defended

"His short-area quickness and toughness are put on full display every week. If he could just wrap up a little more consistently, he could be a top-50 pick." - CBS Sports Mike Renner

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