The 2026 NFL Draft is Thursday, and at the end of night 1, Cleveland Browns fans will either rejoice or spend their entire night seething over what the team should’ve done. Maybe a bit of both. At the end of the day, the Browns are working on finding ways to improve their team, not win over the fans (winning games would help the most).
A lot of scenarios could play out on Thursday, so it’s all about preparing for what might happen.
Outcome that most fans would want the team to do: Drafting a WR at #6, tackle at #24
It’s a scenario that most fans want to happen that will send this fanbase
into a frenzy. No need to talk about the Cleveland wide receiver room; it’s towards the bottom of the league in terms of talent. Adding a wide receiver such as Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate to the room would add an infusion of talent and playmaking that this team needs. Most of the mock drafts have the Browns drafting a wide receiver with either of their 1st round picks, but taking a WR at #6 is what most fans seem to want the team to do.
Considering that the Browns have two 1sts, fans will assume an offensive tackle will be available in the late 20’s. If the team lands someone, whether it’s Utah’s Caleb Lomu or Clemson/Strongsville HS native Blake Miller, the fanbase will leave Thursday night confident in the direction that the Browns are going.
Outcome that most fans would be angry with, but some will understand: Trade down, pick OT, then pick a WR.
Fans must be open to the possibility of the Browns trading down, considering that the team did it last year. However, general manager Andrew Berry is in the business of making assumptions.
It’s well known that a certain team in Texas is willing to trade up. The Dallas Cowboys are interested in both Ohio State defensive standouts. Linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs, heck if edge rusher Arvell Reese falls a bit, he’d be another. If Cleveland were to trade down, the Cowboys are the likely team to make a deal with.
Trade down, and gain more assets. The team pulls it off, but instead of a receiver, they draft an offensive tackle, preferably Georgia’s Monroe Freeling. However, the team could pivot to Utah’s Spencer Fano. In terms of the receivers, they might have their choice of Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, or Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.
Outcome that will shock everyone, but the team didn’t tip their hand
Unlike the last two outcomes, this outcome can have fans either stunned, outraged, joyful, or in pain. A combination of all 4 is also likely. Talking to the media, general manager Andrew Berry gave multiple-layered answers on the team’s approach and RB Jeremiyah Love:
Could the team trade up? Take a running back at #6? No one truly knows what the team could do, but considering how the team is looking at ways to improve the quality of their roster, it’s all about perspective. Adding Love, then an offensive tackle or wide receiver, would help the offense but shock many.
Expecting the Browns to do what most want them to do is the more predictable outcome that some might not find fun. Yes, drafting a receiver at #6 would get fans exciting but this receiver class is deep with talent for the team to get. The team could go BPA (best player available) instead of prioritizing need. Thursday night, expect the unexpected.
