We have final reached the first day of the 2026 NFL draft. Does anyone know what the Cleveland Browns will do? There are a lot of rumors and assumptions, but this year’s draft process has been different than any other in the last 10 years. Are there a lot of safe prospects? Could the Browns hit a full reset?
As we asked our readers in DBN’s Feed, the DBN staff answered what they think Cleveland should do in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft and what they ultimately think they will do.
Chris
Should:
Come away with an offensive tackle and wide receiver in the first round
Will: Try to package the No. 6 pick in a trade, either for more ammunition this year or a future first-round pick
I represented Dawgs By Nature in this year’s SB Nation mock draft, I selected OT Monroe Freeling at No. 6 overall, and then WR KC Concepcion at No. 24 overall. Ever since the season ended, I’ve told myself a million times that I want to see the Browns come away with an offensive tackle/wide receiver pairing. I think there are enough talented tackles and receivers who are first-round talents that it doesn’t matter what order the Browns take them in: if they stay put and play the cards as simple as they come, it should happen without a sweat. I do foresee Andrew Berry trying to get more assets, though, much like he did last year when he moved from No. 2 overall to No. 5 overall. And if the offensive tackle-wide receiver classes are both loaded for the first round, then I guess doing a trade to pick up another pick, and still select both positions, makes sense…but knowing the Browns, they’ll pick some position or player that none of us saw coming.
Tom
Should: Address the wide receiver and offensive tackle position in the first round
Will: Make at least one trade down but eventually will get around to drafting a starting-caliber wide receiver and an offensive tackle that can immediately step into the lineup.
We have long moved past believing there is one player the Browns must draft for the weekend to be considered a success. Whenever they are on the clock in the first round, as long as they select whoever is higher on their draft board between wide receiver and offensive tackle, and then fill the remaining hole with their second selection (for example, if wide receiver was the first pick then offensive tackle is the second pick), then general manager Andrew Berry can hang the “mission accomplished” banner at his post-draft meeting with the media.
EZ
Should: Trade the six in order to get draft assets for next year to try to resolve the QB issue. Then Denzel Boston
Will: Carnell Tate, Blake Miller
This is assuming, of course, we’re not sold on Ty Simpson, in which case just drafting him at 6 or even moving up to get him should be the play. Doesn’t seem to be a lot of momentum for that right now, so without any other kind of clear path to a FQB my preference would be that we (continue to) foist assets into the future and reevaluate things next year. Beyond that, we really should only be drafting players that we like and not necessarily focusing on positions that are considered need. Doesn’t mean we will, though, so I’ll go with these “safe” projections as a best guess.
Barry
Should: David Bailey, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Will: Carnell Tate, Monroe Freeling
The consensus is that the Browns will select receiver Carnell Tate, which is certainly a position of need. He is ranked as this year’s #1 receiver, and by drafting in the sixth spot, the teams above have other positions in mind so Cleveland should be able to get the top WR. He will contribute immediately and will be seen as a go-to weapon. Can high-point any pass and acts like the ball is his every throw. Great ball tracking and can adjust to poorly thrown balls. Natural hands and not afraid of traffic. Personally, I would like to see an elite pass rusher taken, but Tate makes more sense and is a huge need.
The Browns will most likely come out of Round 1 with a receiver and a tackle. Which makes a lot of sense. Freeling combines rare length, flexibility, and movement skills. Quick hands, explosive first step, and is able to get hands on his defender first. Nasty lineman. Will win with leverage and is a former star basketball player.
The Browns can address offensive tackle in the second and third rounds, but EMW is special. Love defense, and love to see him and Grant Delpit share center field together and dominate the deep portion of the field along with another strong run defender. Big kid with length and 32″ arms, a rarity for a safety. Very physical, whose superpower is forcing fumbles as he has had nine in his career. Robber position is his, with a competitive temperament. Excellent tackler. Let’s only draft defenders who are great tacklers.
Curtiss
Should: Jordyn Tyson, Monroe Freeling
Will: Carnell Tate, Caleb Lomu
With Tyson’s workout boosting his stock into overdrive, the Browns should take him over Tate despite the injury concerns. Tyson fits what the Browns passing attack could be. YAC (yards after catch) and creating explosives on a consistent basis. Tate would be the safe and somewhat predictable pick that fans want the team to make. In terms of the offensive line, Freeling is the more pure left tackle in this class despite the lack of starts at Georgia. Freeling’s pass blocking is superb, but his run blocking is average with room to grow. Lomu has a lot of upside, but he needs to get stronger in terms of his play strength.
Abby
Should: Spencer Fano, KC Concepcion
Will: Carnell Tate, Monroe Freeling
Fano would be tough to pass up with the sixth pick. If he is available, the Browns should not pass up that opportunity. That leaves the 24th pick to address wide receiver, and Concepcion would be a high upside pick.
8:
Jared
Should: Spencer Fano, Denzel Boston
Will: Kadyn Proctor, Kenyon Sadiq
Proctor is both a highly concerning pick and a high upside selection at the same time. Seems about right for what the Browns will do. Fano has the highest floor of any offensive lineman in this draft, and I value players who are technicians on the line first, athletes second. Joe Thomas won with technique, kinda won me over to that side. Boston provides a size, speed option that would help Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. play their roles better.
Now, it is your turn. Who do you think the Browns should select with their first two picks, and who do you think they will pick?
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