BEREA — The Browns signed offensive lineman Nathan Bennett, receiver Nate Hughes, defensive backs Mil’Von James and Damon Jenkins, linebackers Asa Matthews and Xavier Mitchell and running back Austin Scott, the team announced Monday.

All seven rookies participated in last weekend’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

James (5-foot-10, 196 pounds) was a two-year starter at UNLV after transferring from UCLA. He led the nation with 19 pass breakups last season, totaled 45 tackles and forced two fumbles. James and Eric Wright, a starter for the Browns, were UNLV’s starting corners in 2006.

The Browns waived running back Kory Chapman, linebacker Jermaine Dias, defensive backs Jerrid Gaines and Justin Harrison, offensive linemen Robert Powell and Eric Young and quarterback Craig Hormann.

Chapman spent five weeks on Cleveland’s practice squad last year, while the other six players were signed as rookie free agents last week.

— By SCOTT PETRAK