Cleveland’s new defensive coordinator Mike Ruttenberger is known for a few things, one of which is his heavy reliance on slot cornerbacks in a variety of ways. “High School Einstein” has always been able to find above-average athletes to play for him, and there’s one player in this year’s class who fits that mold perfectly.
Miami Keonte Scott is one of the top cornerbacks in college football in 2025, and he should be one of the top position-specific players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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There’s no doubt he’ll be a player to watch for Cleveland fans at the NFL Combine, which begins Monday and runs through March 2.
Scott would be perfect for Cleveland Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell Next season, Scott can play multiple roles around the paint. He’s physical enough to cover tight ends, athletic enough to cover receivers, and mentally tough enough to contend against the run.
There are very few position-specific players in this year’s class who were able to make an impact as a rookie, and the other one is Indiana’s DeAngelo Pond. If Mike Rutenberg wants to make sure he has a position to fall back on and a spot in the NFL Draft, Keionte Scott could be his No. 1 target in the 2026 draft class. Scott’s physicality and high-energy playing style consistently jump out from the tape, and he’s one of those players that makes you say “Wow” every few minutes while watching him.
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Of course, they always have the option to sign a player in free agency, but being able to acquire a player with huge potential in the draft is probably the best option from a value perspective over the next four years.