November is usually the month when NFL Draft scouts and talent evaluators begin to dive a little deeper into the player pool for the upcoming draft cycle.
There are currently two ways that the Browns can
attack the 2026 NFL Draft. Andrew Berry and Co. could either take a quarterback with their first pick or they could address offensive tackle/wide receiver.
Let’s take a gander at what things could look like if Cleveland decides to take a quarterback first:
If the Browns decide that both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders aren’t their guy, they may go after a player like Ty Simpson with their first pick. He’s shown a lot of the tools and qualities that Kevin Stefanski likes to have at quarterback, and he’s been rocketing up draft boards as of late.
If they do end up going QB first, then the quality of talent at wide receiver and offensive tackle could drop off significantly fast. Though a player like Chris Bell is incredibly talented and would be an upgrade at wide receiver, he might be considered a bit of a reach in the top 20.
Isaiah World is also a solid left tackle, but if they had taken an offensive tackle in the top 10, it would solidify that position immediately rather than settling with a guy who wouldn’t necessarily be an impact player for them there.
Basically, the Browns can’t afford to “reach” or “settle” in the 2026 draft. If a star offensive tackle or wide receiver is there at their pick inside the top 10, then they should pull the trigger. Fixing the offensive line and wide receiver rooms should be their No.1 priority heading into draft weekend.
Now, let’s dive into a non-QB option with the first two picks:
Selecting Utah OT Spencer Fano, who’s been an above-average to elite player on both sides of the offensive line, would be a home run for Cleveland in this scenario. He immediately steps into the starting left tackle role for the Browns for the next 10 years.
Carnell Tate is another player who would upgrade the wide receiver core, and he might have a higher ceiling than Bell, though their immediate impact would most likely be the same. Going wide receiver with their second selection could and should be a realistic possibility in this scenario, depending on where they actually fall with that other first-round pick.
Jayden Maiava is a quarterback who’s been creeping up draft boards as of late due to his size, intangibles, and arm talent. At 6’4”, 230 lbs. with some of the most beautiful ball placement in the class, he could be a realistic option in the second round for Cleveland if they want to add another young quarterback to the fold.
Either strategy could end up working based on how things play out at quarterback for the Browns in 2025, but as of right now, solidifying offensive tackle and wide receiver first looks to be the best route to take. Nothing the team does on offense will look any different until the offensive tackle and wide receiver positions are addressed.
Which strategy would you prefer the team to deploy? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.
