Three potential slot CBs for Browns in 2026 NFL Draft

Story by

Dylan Feltovich, Browns Wire

Sun, Apr 12, 2026 ·

2 min read

The Cleveland Browns , after a successful stint in the NFL Free Agency period, will now look to continue the trend heading into the 2026 NFL Draft .

General manager Andrew Berry made it clear that his main priority heading into this offseason was completely revamping the offense before next season, especially on the offensive line. This included the signings of multiple offensive guards, such as Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins . However, despite the organization's defense being one of the best in the league, there are still some holes within the unit that must be addressed in the upcoming draft.

One of the top needs on defense will be the slot cornerback position, as both star Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell will be slated to play the boundary. The Browns recently signed veteran Myles Bryant , but Cleveland should attack the position in the later rounds of the draft.

Here are three slot cornerbacks to keep an eye on in the 2026 NFL Draft for the Browns .

Chandler Rivers, Duke

Oct 18, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils cornerback Chandler Rivers (0) runs out prior to the first half of the game against Florida State at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers, before the 2025 college football season, was a top defensive backs in the upcoming class. Unfortunately, a slight regression from his 2024 season and his small stature caused his stock to fall.

Still, Rivers did an excellent job as a boundary corner throughout his time in the ACC and could easily transition to the slot at the next level. With a 4.40 40-yard dash and a 90.7 PFF defensive grade in 2024, selecting Rivers in the middle rounds of the draft could pay off for the Browns.

Jadon Canady, Oregon

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Jadon Canady (22) celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Another name to watch for in the later rounds of the draft is Oregon's Jadon Canady, a tough, physical defender in the secondary.

During his final season with the Ducks, Canady allowed just 17 receptions on 37 targets, while also recording two interceptions. Standing at 5-foot-10, the 22-year-old can struggle at times when defending the run, but his aggressive style of play makes him a perfect flyer for the Browns to pair with Bryant in 2026.

Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

If Berry wants to take a shot on an explosive, lengthy defensive back to add in the slot cornerback room, South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore is exactly who the Browns should target in the mid to later rounds.

While Kilgore's tape did not pop throughout the course of the 2025 season, his incredible showing at this year's combine has put him on the radar of many NFL teams leading up to the draft. At 6-foot-1, 210 lbs., Kilogore ran a 4.40 40-yard dash, while also possessing a 33-inch arm length. Compared to Rivers and Canady, the former Gamecock will need more development once he reaches the NFL, but his high ceiling makes him an intriguing project for Cleveland in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Three potential slot CBs for Browns in 2026 NFL Draft