UFL players the Browns should be interested in adding to the roster

The Cleveland Browns have very few holes on their roster. Even their depth looks good.

The United Football League (UFL) just completed their maiden season, but for some, the journey is just beginning.

The UFL is not an NFL-rival league like others that have come before them. Individuals or corporations do not own their eight-member clubs but instead the league itself. The purpose of the league is to develop talent. All players are under one-year deals, and once the championship game has concluded, players are able to negotiate and sign with NFL and Canadian Football League teams.

The UFL is a merger between the two spring football leagues, the XFL and the USFL. Last season, 120 XFL and USFL athletes signed contracts to attend training camps with NFL clubs. 23 XFL and 16 USFL players made the practice squad or final rosters.

Because the UFL is only eight teams reduced from two 8-team leagues, the talent level is condensed from the American football spring football setting, elevating the players’ aptitude.

We shared yesterday one UFL star who could fill an area of concern for the Browns. Now, here are five other UFL players Cleveland should look into signing for training camp:

Photo by Stew Milne/UFL/Getty Images

S Kai Nacua – Michigan Panthers

6’-0”, 205 pounds

Age: 29

College: BYU

40 time: 4.49

2024 UFL stats: 47 total tackles, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, two tackles for loss

Accolades: 2024 All-UFL Team, 2024 UFL Interception Leader

Nacua went undrafted in 2017 and signed with the Browns, made the practice squad and was elevated to the main roster where he made three starts and played in all 16 games. He was released before training camp in 2018.

In the UFL, he was always around the ball and is a good tackler. Nacua will do the dirty work and can play every safety position. High football IQ. This is a football player. Cleveland appears set at the safety position, but another hard-working grit guy is always welcome.

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/UFL/Getty Images

WR Jontre Kirklin – San Antonio Brahmas

6’-0”, 184 pounds

Age: 25

College: LSU

40 time: 4.55

2024 UFL stats: 54 receptions, 614 yards, 3 touchdowns, 11.0 yards per reception average, 87 targets

Accolades: 2024 UFL reception leader

Kirkland went undrafted in 2022 and signed with the Arizona Cardinals and made their practice and later the PS of the New Orleans Saints. Played for the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL but suffered a chest injury.

Versatility is the name of Kirklin’s game and is a big play guy. He has flashed solid deep speed and excellent body control on sideline routes. He also has some experience returning kicks, an area that could give him an inside track for a roster spot. Kirklin needed time to develop as a pass catcher and now has that experience.

OT Chimemela Okorafor – Michigan Panthers

6’-6”, 331 pounds

Age: 25

College: Benedictine College

40 time: 5.48

2024 UFL stats: 11 starts

A talented offensive lineman who will look to make an immediate impact. Former basketball player. Nicknamed “Chim” with a wingspan of 86 1/8”. Began at the NAIA level and went undrafted in 2023 then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Resilient and hardworking. Has the ability to read defensive fronts and identify the biggest threat. Has a high IQ with natural leadership skills.

As noted above, Cleveland reportedly brought Chim in for a workout already.

Photo by Maria Lysaker/UFL/Getty Images

LB Tavante Beckett – San Antonio Brahmas

5’-10”, 220 pounds

Age: 26

College: Marshall

40 time: 4.78

2024 UFL stats: 72 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 9 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles

Accolades: 2024 All-UFL Team

Beckett seemed to be everywhere on the field this year. Went undrafted in 2021 and signed with the Detroit Lions, made the practice squad then played four games on special teams. Played for Houston in the XFL before being drafted by San Antonio. Not the tallest guy which does cause a concern with coverage of tight ends. Has a quick read on run plays and shows good agility.

Will get taken out by bigger offensive linemen at the second level and leaves his feet sometimes on tackles. Intelligent player who can play all three backer positions. Is able to read the QB to anticipate.

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/UFL/Getty Images

DT Jalen Redmond – Arlington Renegades

6’-2”, 291 pounds

Age: 25

College: Oklahoma

40 time: 4.81

2024 UFL stats: 18 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss

There are a lot of pluses and minuses with Redmond. First the bad. He is injury-prone. Had a blood clot issue as a freshman at Oklahoma and sat out the COVID year which meant he missed two consecutive years of playing. Had 14 sacks in his college career. Hurt his ankle this year and only played four games.

The good stuff. In those four games, he was the most dominating defensive player in every game. In that small sample size, Redmond had 18 tackles, five tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a 13.0% pass-pressure ratio. He was productive and is an impressive athlete. Very quick off the snap and is able to get penetration in one-on-one situations. Strong and physical.

What players are you most interested in seeing the Browns pursue from the UFL?