The Cleveland Browns have signed OL Nathan Bennett, WR Nate Hughes, DB Mil’Von James, DB Damon Jenkins, LB Asa Matthews, LB Xavier Mitchell and RB Austin Scott, the club announced today. All seven rookies participated in last weekend’s rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis.
Also, the Browns waived RB Kory Chapman, LB Jermaine Dias, DB Jerrid Gaines, DB Justin Harrison, QB Craig Hormann, OL Robert Powell and OL Eric Young, the club announced today. Of the players waived, Kory Chapman had spent five weeks on the Browns practice squad last season. The remaining six players waived were originally rookie free agents signed last week and had also participated in last weekend’s rookie mini-camp.
Browns players signed:
Bennett, 6-4 and 300 lbs., was a four-year starter at the University of Tennessee at offensive guard. Bennett led the team in knockdown blocks in 2006 and was also a first-team All-ACC selection that season.
Hughes, 6-0 and 186 lbs., hauled in 161 passes for 2,415 receiving yards as a four-year starter at Alcorn State. Hughes led the team with 46 receptions for 569 yards and four touchdowns in 2007.
James, 5-10 and 196 lbs., was a two-year starter at UNLV after transferring from UCLA. James led the nation with 19 pass breakups last season and also totaled 45 tackles and forced two fumbles. James paired with Browns 2007 second round choice, Eric Wright, as the starting corners at UNLV in 2006.
Jenkins, 5-10 and 190 lbs., collected 94 tackles and 16 pass break ups in 38 career games at Fresno State. Jenkins led the team with nine pass breakups in 2007 and also added 49 tackles.
Matthews, 6-2 and 239 lbs., totaled 89 tackles, six and one-half tackles for loss and one and one-half sacks for Northern Colorado. Matthews transferred to Northern Colorado after two seasons at Butler community College.
Mitchell, 6-2 and 258 lbs., appeared in 47 career games, including 25 starts, during his collegiate career at Tennessee and totaled 109 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and eight and one-half sacks.
Scott, 5-11 and 210 lbs., finished with 302 yards and six rushing touchdowns for Penn State in 2007. During his career at Penn State, totaled 1,323 yards on 290 carries and logged 16 rushing touchdowns.