National Championship fallout: 9 Indiana and Miami stars the Browns must draft

Andy McNamara

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National Championship fallout: 9 Indiana and Miami stars the Browns must draft image

The thrilling finish to the college football National Championship officially kicks off the march to the 2026 NFL Draft!

Cleveland Browns fans should be paying attention to which eligible players from the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes could go from the CFP final to northeast Ohio.

It would be shocking if Heisman Trophy winning Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was not the first overall pick in April. Sadly for the Dawg Pound, that puts him out of reach since the Browns own the No. 6 and 24th (via Jaguars) selections in the opening round.

Currently Cleveland possess ten draft picks. GM Andrew Berry needs to address several key areas, most notably the offensive line and wide receiver spots. If David Njoku departs in free agency then a tight end behind star rookie Harold Fannin Jr. Would be helpful too. The safety position could also use a bit of a face lift. 

Below are a list of the highest rated eligible prospects from the Hoosiers and Hurricanes that would look good in an orange helmet.

More: Sean McDermott vs. Jim Schwartz: Pros, cons, and best fit for Browns HC

Indiana Hoosiers

Wide Receiver

  • Elijah Sarratt (6'2", 213-lbs)- Projected 3rd round pick. A physical "X" receiver who led the FBS in touchdowns this season.

  • Omar Cooper Jr. (6'0", 204 lbs)- Projected 2nd–3rd round pick. Known for elite yards-after-catch and big-game performances.

Offensive Line

  • Carter Smith, OT (6'5", 313 lbs)- Projected top 50 pick. A consensus All-American and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Safety

  • Amare Ferrell (6'2", 200 lbs)- Projected 3rd–4th round pick. Anchors the secondary with elite ball skills and 8 career interceptions).

Miami Hurricanes

Offensive Line

  • Francis Mauigoa, OT (6'6", 315 lbs)- Projected top 10 pick. A Consensus All-American and the premier tackle prospect in the nation. In-play for Browns at No. 6.

  • Anez Cooper, OG (6'6", 345 lbs)- Projected mid-round pick. A massive interior blocker with elite power in the run game.

Wide Receiver

  • CJ Daniels (6'2", 200 lbs)- Projected late-round pick. A veteran deep threat and transfer from LSU/Liberty.

Safety/DB

  • Keionte Scott (6'0", 195 lbs)- Projected Day 3 pick. A versatile defender who plays safety and nickel; was the 2025 Cotton Bowl defensive MVP.

Tight End

  • Alex Bauman (6'5", 250 lbs)- Projected late-Round/UDFA. A reliable red-zone target and experienced blocker.

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Contributing Writer