As the NFL offseason rolls on, the NFL Draft is less than a month away. With the Cleveland Browns replenishing their draft pick treasure chest, the team has two first-round picks (the second one being acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars from last year’s NFL Draft), and the team has many routes it can go.
Take a wide receiver at pick #6, then take an offensive lineman at #24 or vice versa. Another possibility is the team trading down and gaining more draft picks, which can really open potential
possibilities. Don’t blow off the possibility of a defender, including either of two Ohio State Buckeyes, if they are still on the board.
The “everyone would be pleased” scenario: WR Carnell Tate, OT Caleb Lomu
Cleveland lands their WR1 and their potential franchise left tackle. Wide receiver has been a glaring need for the Browns since the offseason began. Due to the WR market exploding in terms of trade compensation, there hasn’t been much traction when it comes to Cleveland finding a top receiver. The team has done its due diligence, but teams are selling high, hoping to bait teams into overpaying.
Tate is either WR1 or WR2 on most draft experts’ big boards. Prototypical X, he has a strong catch radius, a big body frame, and is an efficient route runner. Tate isn’t near the same prospect as a Malik Nabers, but if you can get him at #6, it’s a win for the Browns.
As far as the tackle spot goes, it’s a bit tricky, but Cleveland lands Utah LT Caleb Lomu. Lomu has similar athletic traits to Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. Lomu has more issues in terms of his pass-blocking ability.
If the Browns land Tate and Lomu, it would be a win for both the Browns and their fanbase.
The “would be a win but some would nitpick” scenario: Monroe Freeling, WR Jordyn Tyson
As mentioned in the intro, Cleveland could go wide receiver/offensive tackle, but considering how the tackle class could pan out, the odds of the team going offensive tackle/wide receiver might be even greater. Freeling has seen a rise in his draft stock after his showing at the NFL Combine back in February. Freeling is considered the best pure left tackle prospect in this class. The Georgia Bulldog has the athleticism and tools to be a potential franchise cornerstone at the left tackle spot, but some have concerns due to his lack of starts.
Despite the lack of starts and his inconsistent run blocking, Freeling is someone that many teams would consider to take around the top 10-15 range.
When it comes to receivers, the receiver class is deep. In this scenario, Tate is off the board early, but the Browns pivot to another receiver in Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson’s biggest concern is his health, but when healthy, he is one of the top receivers in this class. Smooth route running and good after the catch, Tyson has the necessary skill set you would want in a receiver.
Landing Freeling and Tyson again would be a win, but some will find a way to nitpick Cleveland for passing on a WR at #6 and opting for a tackle.
The “chaos, trade down” scenario: #12- SAF Caleb Downs, #20 Omar Cooper Jr
The possibility of the Browns trading down is something that every fan should consider. In this scenario, Browns decided to trade down with the Dallas Cowboys with Freeling and Tate off the board. Given that both teams have two picks in the first round, the trade down could get creative with Cleveland getting picks 12, 20, 92, and a second round selection in 2027 in exchange for picks 6, 24, 206, and a fifth round pick in 2027.
For some reason, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was left on the board with the 12th pick, so the Browns chose BPA (best player available). Downs is the most versatile defensive back in this class. Whether it’s safety, in the box as a linebacker, or as a cornerback, you can play Downs anywhere on your defense. Downs has some concerns from some if he can play free safety, but he is one of the best prospects in this class.
With the Browns missing out on their tackles, the team chooses to address the receiver position, and Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr is on the board. Cooper has seen a steady rise in his stock, and the odds of him being taken in the late 1st is a possibility. Cooper Jr can be a potential slot/Z replacement in the future, and he has the versatility to move around the field.
Adding Downs, Cooper, another third-round pick, and a valuable second-rounder in 2027 could be compelling.
Which of these scenarios do you like the most for the Browns in the 2026 NFL draft?
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