The Cleveland Browns are once again loaded with draft capital. While it’s a year away, the 2027 draft class looks to be one of the most talented classes in recent memory. With the Browns addressing receiver and offensive line heavily in this past class, this article will feature more defensive players with star potential. With an entire college football season ahead, these players could very well improve or hurt their draft stock come April.
Projected Grade: First Round
Matayo Uiagalelei has returned to Oregon for one final season. In his collegiate career so far, he has been dominant since the moment he touched down in Eugene. he recorded 18 tackles and 2 sacks as a freshman, and will go into his senior season as one of the best edge rushers in the class. He plays with great power and strength, which has contributed to his massive production throughout his career.
The Browns enter their first season without Myles Garrett, and outside of Jared Verse, will need another star off the edge. Uiagalelei projects to be a defensive end, but has the athletic traits to make an impact as an edge. An area of his game that needs strengthening is his tackling. As a run defender, at times, he doesn’t finish wrapping up tackles, leading to big plays.
Nonetheless, Uiagalelei has the ceiling of a three-down starting edge rusher with impressive tools. If he can clean up tackling and finish plays, the player profile fits exactly what Cleveland needs on the other side of Verse.
Projected Grade: First Round
The best cornerback in the class is presumably Leonard Moore. He played a big part in Notre Dame’s run to the National Championship as a true freshman. Moore excels in man coverage, where he is the best at his position across all of college football. The Browns currently have two good corners in Denzel Ward and Tysen Campbell, but could use another lockdown corner in the room.
Heading into the 2027 season, Moore is a consensus top 10 pick with the potential of going even higher. If the Browns wanted the opportunity to take a guy like Moore, they would have to be picking in April. Another way to describe his style of play is “ballhawk” with his blanket coverage skills and ability to make plays on the ball. The size is also enticing, with a 6’2 195 build that plays well at the NFL level.
Corner will be at the top of Cleveland’s positions of need come draft time, and there is no better player in this class than Moore.
Projected Round: Second Round
One of the key pieces of the Indiana undefeated season was Charlie Becker. The 6’4 sophomore broke out in late October when Elijah Sarratt went down with a hamstring injury. What stands out with Becker’s game is his impressive hands. He makes the routine catches along with the contested ones, making him a quarterbacks best friend in the passing game.
Although the Browns drafted two receivers high in this year’s draft, they could use a sure thing with the size of Becker. He can also stretch the field with the best of them, averaging 20 yards per catch in the 2025 season. In a receiving core that had two guys get drafted, Becker produced three 100-yard games during Indiana’s title run. Big receivers with great hands will always have roles in the NFL, and for a Browns team that lacks both, Becker makes a lot of sense.
It’s tough to say where Becker falls in terms of value, but the second round would be a great spot for Cleveland to continue adding to a young, talented receiver room.
Projected Round: First Round
Interior defensive linemen are some of the most valuable players on the field. Pairing Mason Graham with a player like David Stone would give the Browns one of the best defensive tackle rotations in the NFL. Stone has been productive for the Sooners since his freshman year, with his explosive first step and elite strength. While he looks to be one of the best interior linemen in this class, he is still a project with his pass-rush arsenal needing work.
Cleveland heads into the 2026 season with an impressive group headlined by Graham, Collins, and Hall Jr. Looking towards the future, only Graham looks to be a part of it with his age and potential. This leaves the Browns with a big decision to make at defensive tackle, and no better prospect to take than Stone. This upcoming college season will be huge for Stone, as he looks to cement himself as the top DT in the class.
With two first-round selections, the Browns can afford to swing on a young, talented defensive tackle with immense upside like Stone.
The 2027 draft class looks to be loaded with talent. The Browns head into the season with a roster that is much improved, but will have to answer tough questions following the season. This article highlights some of the top college players who make perfect sense for Cleveland’s roster and future. Upside, combined with production, makes these prospects impact players at the next level.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
