For most Cleveland Browns fans, the question going into the 2026 NFL draft is “WR or OT?” Thankfully, the Browns have two picks in the first round and another high in the second round, which should lead to the answer of “Both!” and just depend on the order.
In the lead-up to every NFL draft, people love numbers. That is why the NFL combine has been so popular. Whether it is 40-yard dash times, SPARQ scores, Relative Athletic Scores, or the no longer used Wonderlic test, folks love things that can
be distilled down to numbers.
For Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry, age has often played a huge role in his draft decisions. Rare is a time when Berry has drafted a player in the first three rounds that wasn’t 21 years old, or close to it.
With wide receiver on the top of mind, Ian Hartitz provided a list of receiver ages by the end of the year:
21: Carnell Tate
22: Jordyn Tyson -Makai Lemon -KC Concepcion -Chris Bell -Zachariah Branch -Antonio Williams -Ja’Kobi Lane -Ted Hurst
23: Omar Cooper -Denzel Boston -Chris Brazzell -Germie Bernard -Elijah Sarratt -Deion Burks
24: Skyler Bell -Malachi Fields -Bryce Lance
Does that list mean that Tate rockets ahead of Tyson, Lemon, or Concepcion just based on age? No, of course (or hopefully) not. It does mean that with all other factors being equal, Tate might have the upper hand. It could mean that Cooper and Boston, two receivers that this writer has either placed with Cleveland later in the first round or thought of doing so, might not be as high on Berry’s list.
The Browns are in the midst of another rebuild and should be focused on talent alone, but younger players should have A) a higher upside, B) less injury history, and C) a longer runway for a career in the NFL.
How do you think age should play a role for the Browns in the 2026 NFL draft? A big factor? No factor? Tie breaker?
Share your WR draft thoughts in our comment section below
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