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Toriano Pride Jr. Claimed Off Waivers, Julian Okwara Out in Cleveland
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- Toriano Pride Jr. Claimed Off Waivers, Julian Okwara Out in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns set their initial 53-man roster ahead of the NFL deadline on Sunday, Aug. 30. However, like all organizations, they're looking to the waiver wire for any potential upgrades at certain positions, as first-year head coach Todd Monken and general manager Andrew Berry continue to make tweaks.
On Monday, the Browns claimed defensive back Toriano Pride Jr. from the Buffalo Bills , while waiving defensive end Julian Okwara in the corresponding move. It was the second addition to the secondary off waivers, as the Browns claimed cornerback Mehki Blackmon off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts on Friday.
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Let's Meet the Newest Browns Defensive Back
Pride Jr. is a 22-year-old cornerback, picked in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills out of the University of Missouri. He appeared in two preseason games for the Bills, totaling two stops, including one solo tackle, while recording a pass defensed, playing in the slot, as well as lining up wide, when needed.
We've claimed CB Toriano Pride Jr., waived DE Julian Okwara and signed 10 players to the practice squad
📰 » https://t.co/jkbxkcmhHl pic.twitter.com/YLPhrr9NaW— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 31, 2026
His tackle assist, and the pass defensed, came in the preseason game August 22 in Cleveland against the Browns, so apparently his play that day stuck with the coaching staff.
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Pride started out at Clemson, making 22 stops, including 17 solo tackles, in 2022 for head coach Dabo Swinney. He had his only collegiate sack that season, as well as his first intereception.
After spending the 2023 at Clemson, he moved to Missouri in 2024. He had his only forced fumble at Mizzou, while recording a pair of interceptions for head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, including his first pick-six. In 2025, he had a career-best 24 total stops, with 17 solo tackles, posting two more interceptions, and another pick-six.
Nov 15, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. (2) scores against the Mississippi State Bulldogs after intercepting a pass during the second half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Looking at his college stats, the consistency is amazing. He had exactly four passes defensed in each of his four seasons. He had a total of 17 solo tackles exactly three times in four years in college. That's the kind of Monken and Berry hope can bring to the secondary of the defense, if and when his number is called.
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Julian Okwara Still Looking for a Home
Okwara was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions out of Notre Dame. His best season was in 2021, when he played 13 games, totaling 27 total stops with 18 solo tackles and five sacks. The EDGE rusher also had an interception that season, with two passes defensed.
His playing time tailed off in 2023, and he joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2024, recording 18 total stops, 10 solo tackles and one sack, the 10th of his career across parts of five NFL seasons. He spent the entire 2025 season on the practice squad of the Browns.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 31, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
