The 2026 NFL draft is officially open. Months of waiting, wondering, hoping, discussing, evaluating, mock drafts, etc, will come to an end. For the Cleveland Browns, a wide receiver or offensive tackle seems like the most likely option with their first overall pick, but trading down has been rumored for a long time.
A rebuilding team rarely moves up in the draft unless it is for a quarterback or a game-changer, which is why the trade-down rumors have made sense, including the idea that the Browns
could go for a full reset starting with Thursday night’s Day 1 of the NFL draft.
Shortly before round 1 opened, a surprise report that Cleveland is one of a few teams actually looking to move up late in the first round:
While Philadelphia is looking to continue its Super Bowl contention, Cleveland and Tennessee are both looking to move from some of the worst records in the NFL. The Eagles could be looking at a wide variety of positions. The Titans seem set at quarterback with Cam Ward, but could be looking to either protect him or provide him with another weapon.
For the Browns, could a trade up for QB Ty Simpson come to fruition? Simpson and Cleveland HC Todd Monken have a history together. Offensive line, wide receiver, or even a falling defender could also make sense, depending on what happens earlier in the draft.
Given the timing of the draft, Cleveland fans could need to stay awake until very late into the night, or into Friday, if things last until after midnight.
Do you think it would make sense for the Browns to trade up in this year’s draft? Any late 1st round talent you hope they’d be targeting? Thoughts on Simpson possibly being the target?
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