The Cleveland Browns undoubtedly have one of the most impressive, exciting, and potential-filled draft classes in the league right now, and a massive reason why is due to Andrew Berry and Co.’s performance on day two.
Four of Cleveland’s first five selections were viewed as potential first-round picks according to most NFL Draft analysts, and their Friday night began with landing Washington WR Denzel Boston at No.39, who many saw as the top “X” receiver in this year’s draft class.
His ability to consistently
dominate at the catch point and overall fluidity as a mover are his most impressive attributes, and there’s a very good chance that he’ll develop into a day-one starter for a Todd Monken offense that was desperate for a talent injection heading into 2026. KC Concepcion, Jerry Jeudy, Denzel Boston, and Harold Fannin Jr. will make up a potential-ridden group of pass catchers for whoever ends up starting at quarterback for the Browns in 2026 and beyond.
Cleveland was then able to trade back up into the second round for Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, whom the Browns immediately fell in love with during the pre-draft process for his overall skill set and personality.
McNeil-Warren’s versatility as both a run-defender and coverage player will allow new Browns DC Mike Rutenberg to utilize the talented safety in multiple ways in 2026. The No.3 safety and nickel corner spots are incredibly important in Cleveland’s new defensive scheme, and it’s going to be interesting to see if he’ll be used in both of those roles going forward. He may not have the short-area quickness required to stick with slot receivers on two-way go’s, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see the defensive staff at least give him a shot at nickel this summer.
Andrew Berry traded up again in the third round to select Florida OT Austin Barber, who was one of the more undervalued offensive line prospects in this year’s class and someone who could end up being the Browns’ top swing tackle as early as 2026.
He was undoubtedly the most dominant run-blocker in this year’s offensive tackle class, but his technique needs some work against speedy pass rushers when it comes to initial contact. New OL Coach George Warhop will hopefully be able to help him find consistency in marrying his upper and lower halves at the next level. Barber’s top-notch footspeed when pass-setting gets him to his initial landmarks just fine, but he occasionally gets sloppy when punching players with above-average bend, and a perfect example of it was against Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell last season.
As mentioned earlier, the range of outcomes for Barber includes being the team’s top swing tackle or becoming a potential starter down the line. Finding the type of player that Cleveland did in round three is wild, and one of the many reasons why the Browns most likely had the top day 2 draft class in the league.
What are your thoughts on Cleveland’s crop of day two selections? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
