The former Jackson State wide receiver is joining the Browns as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft, giving him a chance to turn his HBCU rise into a professional opportunity.
Cleveland added Dupree as part of its post-draft rookie group, bringing in a smaller, quick-play receiver who built his name at Jackson State after beginning his college path at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Dupree is not arriving with the same attention as a drafted pick, but his story gives the signing more weight.
He came through the junior college level, found a home at Jackson State, and became one of the Tigers’ productive receiving options during his final college season.
At Jackson State, Dupree was listed as a 5-foot-8, 162-pound wide receiver from Philadelphia, Mississippi. His background includes Neshoba Central High School and Mississippi Gulf Coast CC before his move to the Tigers.
His 2025 season gave Cleveland something to work with. Dupree finished with 31 receptions for 510 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 16.5 yards per catch.
That yards-per-catch number is the key part of his profile. He was not just catching short passes; he showed he could create chunk plays and stretch the field when Jackson State got him the ball.
Ja’Naylon Dupree Took the HBCU Route to His NFL Chance
Dupree’s path to the Browns was not a straight Power Four route. He played at Mississippi Gulf Coast before landing at Jackson State, where he became part of one of the most recognized HBCU programs in the country.
His first season with the Tigers showed his versatility. In 2024, Dupree played in 12 games, caught 21 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns, and was also used on special teams.
He returned kicks and punts that season, giving Jackson State another way to get the ball into his hands.
That mattered because players trying to make NFL rosters after going undrafted often need more than one role.
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Dupree’s size will make the challenge real. He is not the biggest receiver in the Browns’ rookie group, and he will have to prove he can separate against NFL defensive backs.
But his production at Jackson State shows why Cleveland gave him a look. He found the end zone, made explosive plays, and continued growing after the junior college stop.
There is also a football bloodline in his story. Jackson State’s player profile lists him as the grandson of Marcus Dupree, who played at Oklahoma and later with the Los Angeles Rams.
That name carries weight in football history, but Ja’Naylon Dupree’s next step will be about earning his own place.
Cleveland Adds Another Receiver to a Competitive Rookie Room
The Browns entered the post-draft period looking for more competition at wide receiver.
Cleveland used draft capital on the position and then kept adding young pass catchers after the draft, including Dupree, Aaron Anderson and Kole Wilson.
That makes Dupree’s path difficult, but not impossible. Undrafted receivers often have to win attention one practice at a time.
Rookie minicamp, organized team activities, training camp and preseason games can change a player’s outlook quickly if he shows speed, toughness and special teams value.
For Dupree, the clearest way to stand out is simple, catch the ball cleanly, make defenders miss in space, and show he can help on coverage or return units if asked.
His Jackson State background already includes special teams work, and that could help him in a crowded room.
Cleveland’s roster will not be decided in April. The Browns still have months of evaluation ahead, and undrafted players often move between roster spots, practice squads and minicamp opportunities before the season takes shape.
Dupree’s first job is to stay in the conversation long enough for his playmaking to matter.
That is what makes this signing interesting. Dupree does not have to be treated like a finished product.
He is a developmental receiver with HBCU production, junior college experience, and enough big-play numbers to deserve an NFL look.
The draft passed without his name being called, but the Browns still opened the door. Now Ja’Naylon Dupree gets the chance to prove that his path from Mississippi Gulf Coast to Jackson State can continue in Cleveland.
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