The Cleveland Browns lost in humiliating fashion to the New York Jets. The Browns shut down the Jets for the majority of the game. Unfortunately, the Jets scored on three explosive plays. The score would be too much for the Browns to handle. The team now has the inside track on the second pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Browns must find a way to pick in the top two selections. 

The Browns need to find a quarterback in next year’s draft class. The class is fraying, as quarterbacks Dante Moore of Oregon, Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, and Ty Simpson of Alabama will all decide whether to enter the NFL draft or return to college. If the Browns don’t have a top-three pick, then they have a real shot of losing one of these quarterbacks. 

In the latest 2026 NFL mock draft, the Browns address the quarterback situation while rebuilding their trenches and increasing their talent in the receiving room. The Browns are set up for eight picks inside the first five rounds. The team will have many opportunities to shore up their weak position groups over draft weekend. 

1.02 Ferando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza was the first quarterback I mocked to the Browns before the season started. With more than a month left in his junior season, Mendoza is the Heisman award favorite. Mendoza has thrown for 2,342 yards, 26 touchdowns, and five interceptions on 181 completions and 254 attempts.

Mendoza turned heads when he turned down top paydays to join the Hoosiers. Mendoza strongly believed that head coach Curt Cignetti knows how to develop NFL quarterbacks. That’s proven to be the case as Mendoza is in the consensus top-three picks in the draft. 

On paper, Mendoza is a good prospect. He’s an intelligent player with good accuracy, a good arm, a good 6-foot-3 frame, and good athleticism. Mendoza’s sum is greater than his parts. He uses his skill set so well to maximize every play. He doesn’t have an X-Factor like the big three quarterbacks in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. However, his robust skill set helps him compensate when he needs to make the tough throw. 

Mendoza can make every throw on a football field. Mendoza proved to the football world that he’s one of the best quarterbacks in college. He led the Hoosiers on a game-winning drive against an experienced and motivated Penn State defense, run by one of the best minds in the sport. Mendoza played a challenging game against them, and while he contributed to Indiana’s slow start, he proved to everyone that he can make big throws when they matter.The Browns are desperate for a quarterback of Mendoza’s stature.

The team needs a leader on offense to get the team back on the right track. Mendoza would be the perfect option to command the offense. The team needs to have a field general who can keep the offense on the field on money downs. Mendoza fits that archetype perfectly. He’s a pure pocket passer who knows how to keep a drive alive. The Browns need that consistency on offense. 

1.22 Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Blake Miller is one of the veterans in the offensive tackle class. He’s also one of Ohio’s own, as he grew up in Strongsville. The starting right tackle of the Clemson Tigers has held the position for four years. Miller is an iron man who has logged over 3,000 snaps during his collegiate career. Miller has protected quarterback Cade Klubnik for years and has a great understanding of where to fence off the pocket. Miller’s intelligence, experience, and bouncer-like mentality make him one of the top tackle prospects in the draft. 

Miller is a tremendous offensive line prospect. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle has prototypical size for the position. He also possesses great athleticism. Clemson uses him as a weapon to clear lanes at the second level. He plays like he was shot out of a cannon on screen plays, and sweeps. Miller is a classic enforcer who loves to play through the echo of the whistle, and maybe the echo of the fans cheering him on. He’s a beast with no quit in him. He has powerful hands to knock back defenders at the point of attack. In pass protection, Miller brings the same level of intensity. He’ll send defenders flying by the top of the pocket with his quick feet and strong hands. Miller has extraordinary agility and can shield the quarterback away from defenders in close quarters. Miller must improve his anchor at the next level. Defenders will try to go through his thick frame if he can’t stay low. Miller has all the tools to be an elite tackle at the next level. 

The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of offensive tackle help. The Browns need to protect the edges of their pocket. The offense is dreadful because they’re weak on the outside of the trenches. They can’t pass or run block. The team’s play menu is minimal as they can’t block for longer than 2.5 seconds. The Browns need to address the offensive tackle position a lot this offseason. Bringing Miller home would be a significant first step to fixing the offensive line. 

2.34 Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Germie Bernard is one of the smoothest receivers in college football. Long-time readers of this column may recognize Bernard’s name from a mock draft from last year. I thought he was an incredibly nimble receiver with a high football IQ. I was a little sad when he decided to return to college. Well, has he ever proven me wrong. Bernard used his extra year to get stronger. He’s a powerful athlete with great explosive force that complements his agility.

Bernard has all the tools of a successful slot receiver at the next level. He’s astute and knows how to get open against various zone coverages. He’s physical and a tough competitor. Bernard is a professional receiver. His dedication and robust skill set will serve him a longer career than a few receivers who will presumably be chosen ahead of him. 

Bernard is Alabama’s top receiver, despite not being their most consistent. This season, Bernard has recorded 41 receptions for 605 yards and six touchdowns. Bernard’s efficient, but his production has started to disappear as the season closes. Bernard has an excellent opportunity to shine against the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the top pass defenses. Bernard needs a strong end to his season to get into the first-round discussion. He’s a talented player, and he’ll eventually prove that in the NFL. Today, he goes to the Browns, who are in great need of a receiver who is proud to play football. Bernard will bring a new level of focus and discipline to whichever NFL team he joins.

He’s a true football player. 

3.70 Austin Barber, OT, Florida

Austin Barber is a solid offensive tackle prospect from the University of Florida. Barber has good size for the position at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds. Barber has a dense frame, which is an asset for offensive linemen. The former four-star prospect is a great athlete. He’s powerful and moves well in space. Barber is a bully with an inconsistent motor. When it’s running hot, he’s knocking defenders over and creating holes for running backs. When he’s not engaged, he gets beaten like a drum. Barber will need to find motivation every day in the NFL. Players who can’t find motivation in the league are quickly forgotten. 

Barber is a powerful offensive lineman, but he’s not overly explosive. Barber wins at the point of attack. Once he gets his paws on a defender, he can control them. He’ll stonewall them in their tracks or drive them into the ground. Barber is a mean blocker who loves to overpower defenders. However, defenders can rush him through his process, leaving him fighting air. Barber really struggles against finesse styles of attack. He can move himself off his landmarks. Barber is a good prospect with clear areas for improvement at the next level. Barber is a talented player who can turn into an absolute steal on draft day. The Browns need to invest everything they can in offensive tackle.

The team should leave draft weekend with an entirely new offensive line. Barber would be a great step toward fixing the trenches in Cleveland. 

4. D.J. Campbell, OG, Texas

D.J. Campbell is one of the most underrated guards in college football. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound guard is a heavyweight fighter. Campbell packs a powerful punch with quick feet. He is a former five-star prospect. Campbell has been starting since his freshman season, but he’s finally playing up to his potential.

Campbell is an aggressive run blocker and a tough pass blocker. Campbell’s squatty frame makes him challenging for defenders to overpower. He does a great job of stonewalling defenders at the point of attack. This season, Campbell has cleaned up his game. He’s playing with more body control and balance. He’s not falling as frequently. Campbell is a natural run blocker who can bowl over defenders.

Campbell is playing the best games of his collegiate career. If he has a strong finish to the season, he could jump into Day Two of the NFL draft.

5. Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

Skyler Bell is one of the most productive receivers in college football. Bell has been a star for the UConn Huskies. Bell has a nose for the end zone; he’s recorded 85 receptions for 1,081 yards and 13 touchdowns. Bell does a great job of attacking the ball in the air. He has strong hands to pluck the ball away from defenders. Bell is a svelte receiver, standing at 6-foot, 185-pounds. He’s stronger than his size suggests.

Bell is a great athlete. He lacks elite deep speed, but has fantastic agility and acceleration. Bell knows how to use his quickness to get open. Bell is an excellent route runner. He knows how to sell routes by alternating his pace. He makes hard cuts at the top of his route to maximize separation. Bell is a crafty route runner who thrives against zone coverages. Bell is a talented receiver who will turn 24 before the start of the season.

The Browns would be wise to draft Bell. They need to recreate their receiver room this offseason. A talented and intelligent player like Bell would help liven up the room.

5 (Raiders). DeVonta Smith, CB, Notre Dame

DeVonta Smith is a redshirt senior for Notre Dame. Smith started his collegiate career at Alabama before transferring to Notre Dame this year. Smith has been dealing with a lower leg injury all year, and he’s only played in five games this season. Smith has been an impactful defender in his limited playing time. Smith has recorded nine total tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble return. Smith is always around the ball. He’s a very physical player.

Smith likes to get his hands on receivers and jam them through the route. Smith does a good job of finding the ball when it’s in the air. He’s a tough run defender. Smith projects as a nickel cornerback in the NFL. His 6-foot, 200-pound frame was built to thrive in the slot. He’s smart, strong, and aggressive. He can make tackles in the run game and defend passes over the middle. Smith is a talented cornerback who the NFL could overlook due to his limited playing time. The Browns need to build their defensive backfield.

The team needs to churn the bottom of their roster, especially when those players contribute on special teams.  Smith would be an excellent fit for the Browns. 

5 (Bengals). Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

Bishop Fitzgerald is one of the best ballhawks in college football. The safety for USC has made five interceptions and three passes deflected. Fitzgerald is a fantastic athlete who patrols the middle of the field for the Trojans. Fitzgerald has helped suffocate the best passing attacks in the Big Ten. USC has one of the best defenses in college football, thanks in part to Fitzgerald. His speed helps him stop any explosive passes going over the top.

He’s a physical playmaker who tries to solve problems with aggression. He flies all over the field making plays. The Browns need to improve their safety room. Fitzgerald would be a great addition to the Browns’ defensive backfield. He’d be the perfect playmaker for the Browns to keep on top of the defense.Â