The Cleveland Browns continue their search for a new head coach, while former HC Kevin Stefanski makes his rounds in the NFL’s coaching carousel as well. The Browns job could be the “worst in the NFL,” but GM Andrew Berry is under a microscope and has promised to invest heavily in the offense this year.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars playoff loss, we now know that Cleveland will have the sixth and 24th picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Too low, most likely, for one of the top quarterbacks
in this year’s draft class and, perhaps, too high for a good but not great offensive line and wide receiver set of prospects.
QB Trinidad Chambliss has drawn a lot of attention and lost his waiver request with the NFL. He could join QB Ty Simpson as a later option for the Browns at the quarterback position. Today, with the draft order set for Cleveland’s first three rounds, we had the choice of both quarterbacks in the second round as well as a great offer to move down a few spots and pick up another first-round pick, using Pro Football Focus’ simulator.
Trade Down: Browns send out pick #6 to the Los Angeles Rams for picks #13 and 29. The Rams came flying up to draft DE Rueben Bain Jr.
First round – OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
- Pick #13
Mauigoa has been dominant in the College Football Playoffs. Locking in where he fits best on the line will be up to the staff, but he is a game-changer overall. Utah’s Spencer Fano was also an option here.
First round – WR Denzel Boston, Washington
- Pick #24
At 6’4”, 210 pounds, Boston is a prototypical outside receiver who can win with size, speed, and strength. For Cleveland, a needed component for whoever is running the offense and whoever is the quarterback.
First round – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
- Pick #29
This is where the staff knowing how they want to use Mauigoa and Lomu would be vital. The combination of the two could be the foundation for the next great Browns offensive line, with Lomu potentially fitting better at left tackle.
Second round – QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
- Pick #39
If you don’t like Chambliss, Simpson was an option here as well. After building a line and getting a top receiver, whoever Cleveland takes at quarterback would have a much higher upside and chance to win long term. Teams that build around quarterbacks outside of the top 10 of the NFL draft are required to surround them early with a lot of talent.
Third round – WR Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
- Pick #70
If one is good, two are better. The philosophy held true on the offensive line and now with the receivers. This pick could have been TE Max Klare as well, but adding a second big receiver would give Shedeur Sanders and Chambliss a multitude of options with Harold Fannin Jr. and Jerry Jeudy lined up inside.
One trade down, five offensive players. One heck of a Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL mock draft.
If you don’t love the names, you can substitute Fano in for Mauigoa, Simpson in for Chambliss, and Clare in for Lane for this version of a similar mock draft:
- OT Spencer Fano
- WR Denzel Boston
- OT Caleb Lomu
- QB Ty Simpson
- TE Max Klare
What do you think of this trade down to add a third 1st round pick? Do you have a strong preference between the two versions?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below
