Breaking down the Cleveland Browns NFL Draft outlook, including their picks, team needs and 2026 first round mock draft projections.
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The Cleveland Browns returned to the cellar in the AFC North last season, scoring the second-fewest points in the league in the process. The poor offensive output ultimately cost head coach Kevin Stefanski his job.
Long-time offensive coordinator Todd Monken came over from a division rival to take the Browns’ head coaching role for 2026, while GM Andrew Berry was retained. With a new coaching staff in place, Cleveland’s top priority will be improving on the offensive side of the ball.
In addition, it will be interesting to see if the Browns can maintain their high level of defensive play from recent years with a new coordinator in place.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Picks 2026
| RD | PICK | FROM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | |
| 1 | 24 | via JAX |
| 2 | 39 | |
| 3 | 70 | |
| 4 | 107 | |
| 5 | 146 | |
| 5 | 149 | via CIN |
| 6 | 206 | via CHI |
| 7 | 248 | via SEA |
Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Needs
Quarterback
Shocking, right? The Browns have a glaring need at quarterback, imagine that. In this aspect, the 2026 NFL Draft mirrors what so many prior drafts have looked like in Cleveland. No one is particularly thrilled or optimistic about a QB battle featuring Deshaun Watson and Shedder Sanders. However, this does not appear to be the ideal draft class for Cleveland to address that need early.
Offensive Tackle
The Browns will have several options to choose from when it comes to fortifying their offensive line. Cleveland has already done work in this area during the offseason, signing Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson to bolster the interior. The Browns also traded for Tytus Howard to solidify the right tackle spot. Thus, left tackle appears to be the primary focus in the draft.
Wide Receiver
The Browns signed Tylan Wallace in free agency, but he is a third option at best on the current depth chart that includes Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond. While poor quarterback play played a role, the Browns’ wide receivers must improve on last season’s per-game averages of 86.3 yards and 6.9 receptions.
Other Browns Draft Needs
- EDGE
- Safety
- Defensive Back
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Browns to approach the first round.
Cleveland Browns Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Cleveland Browns mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Browns will select with the No. 6 and No. 24 picks?
No. 6 | Browns NFL Draft Pick
Makai Lemon, WR, USC | ESPN
The ESPN Browns first-round mock draft has them addressing their need at wide receiver right out of the gates. No one in Cleveland would be upset with this pick, as Makai Lemon is neck and neck with Carnell Tate as the top two receivers in this class.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami | CBS + FlurrySports
If the Browns opt for a fundamentally sound offensive lineman at sixth overall, Francis Mauigoa makes a ton of sense. The one concern for Cleveland’s current specific need is that he lacks the typical length seen in the best NFL tackles. Even so, Mauigoa is considered one of the best all-around linemen in this class.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia | NFL Network
With long limbs and surprising athleticism for a man of his size, Monroe Freeling has multiple attributes to make him one of the most highly coveted tackles in this year’s draft. There will likely be growing pains early on as he dials in technique, but the long-term upside is very real.
No. 24 | Browns NFL Draft Pick
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama | ESPN
Should the Browns opt to address the offensive tackle spot with their second first-round selection, Kadyn Proctor could be the choice. He is strong, has great length and is better than many players his size with regard to operating in space and getting up the field.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State | CBS + NFL Network
Jordyn Tyson has the skillset to line up all across a formation. This figures to be particularly appealing to the Browns, given their current situation at the WR position. Tyson also has good speed and route-running technique to create separation and the size to haul in contested catches.
In the NFL Network mock draft scenario, Cleveland trades up two spots to No. 22 overall to secure Tyson.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington | FlurrySports
After projecting the Browns to take an offensive tackle with their first pick, Zach Brunner projected the No. 24 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft pick to be used on a wide receiver. Denzel Boston would be a big, rangy target for whoever starts at quarterback.
