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Todd Monken answers questions from the media after being introduced as head coach of the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have the flexibility to go in several different directions with the Nos. 6 and 24 overall picks in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft, including figuring out a way to turn two selections into three.
One option mentioned by TheDawgsPodcast on Friday, February 13 involves Cleveland flipping the Nos. 6 and 39 selections to the Dallas Cowboys in return for pick Nos. 12 and 20.
“The hosts on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas proposed the Cowboys trade up in the draft with the Browns to land Ohio State safety Caleb Downs,” TheDawgsPodcast wrote.
Carnell Tate Could End Up Elite NFL Wide Receiver, Which Browns Desperately Need
GettyOhio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
The move would result in Cleveland picking at Nos. 12, 20 and 24 in the opening round. However, that would likely take the Browns out of the running for Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Zac Jackson of The Athletic released his most recent mock draft on Wednesday, February 11 and projected the Browns will select Tate with the sixth pick.
Tate is just 21 and isn’t a finished product. But his explosion and body control give him a chance to eventually become a top-tier NFL wide receiver, and he’s good enough immediately to help whomever the quarterback(s) might be in 2026.
One of my strongest early offseason predictions is that the Browns will be aggressive in seeking an experienced wide receiver via trade or the first wave of free agency. But I still think the team will also consider using a first-round pick on a receiver who might become a true No. 1 down the road.
Because Cedric Tillman is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Browns are stuck with Jerry Jeudy for another season, it’s time to think about 2026 and 2027 in remaking and upgrading the receiving corps.
The most optimistic pro comparison for Tate among league analysts has been Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. If the Browns agree with that assessment to even a moderate degree, it might be difficult for the Cowboys to convince Cleveland to trade out of the top 10.
Browns Could Make Play for Elite WR in Free Agency, Via a Trade
GettyWide receiver AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles is a trade candidate this offseason.
However, the Browns also badly need upgrades on the offensive line, and most mock drafts that don’t predict the Browns selecting Tate in the top 10 have Cleveland taking an offensive tackle in that spot.
Moving out of the top 10 might take a potentially elite player off the board for Cleveland, but that would potentially be worth it if they can nab three starting-caliber performers inside of the top 24.
Cleveland could also still push for a high-end wideout via a trade or free agency, with players like AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles potentially available for a first-round pick. Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers could also be an option for the Browns in March, which would potentially impact how Cleveland approaches the first round of the draft in April.
Max Dible covers the NFL, NBA and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns. He covered local and statewide news as a reporter for West Hawaii Today and served as news director for BigIslandNow.com and Pacific Media Group’s family of Big Island radio stations before joining Heavy. More about Max Dible
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