Browns 2026 mock draft round-up: Surprise QB and double OL strategy divide NFL insiders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Next week is the NFL Scouting Combine, and the mock drafts from analysts are running wild with ‘what-if’ scenarios for the Cleveland Browns.
Advertisement
Armed with a pair of first-round picks, I rounded up five different mocks to look at the different possibilities GM Andrew Berry could explore. From a trade down to a shocking defensive choice to a pair of offensive linemen to a surprise QB, the draft experts give the Dawg Pound a wide variety of options to debate.
No. 6
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6’6″, 308-lbs)
“The Browns should be hoping one of the top offensive tackles is available to them at No. 6. Cleveland snags Fano to start from Day 1.” (Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network)
Advertisement
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6’0″, 205-lbs)
“Cleveland could pick a wide receiver or offensive lineman here — there are more than enough needs to go around. But in this scenario, the Browns reinforce their strength on the defensive side of the ball. Downs becomes a versatile enforcer on the back end.” (Dan Parr, NFL.com)
No. 12 (mock trade with Cowboys)
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6’2″, 200-lbs)
“Cleveland’s long-term plan at quarterback remains unknown, but it is unlikely to be on the roster. It would be wise to accumulate future resources to potentially make a move in upcoming draft years. Dallas is more focused on the present, so it parts with future resources (No. 12 overall and two future second-round picks) in exchange for No. 6 overall and future fourth- and sixth-round picks. It is a reasonable trade considering the Browns still address one of their two biggest needs (wide receiver and offensive line).” (Josh Edwards, CBS Sports)
Advertisement
No. 24Â (via Jacksonville)
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6’7″, 315-lbs)
“This draft would be a big success for the Browns if they landed two starting offensive linemen, as they do in this scenario with Freeling joining Spencer Fano. If Dawand Jones stays healthy, I think Fano could play inside.” (Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6’6″, 308-lbs)
“The Browns have too many holes on the offensive line to leave Round 1 without drafting at least one player who can help them up front.” (Charles Davis, NFL Network)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6’2″, 208-lbs)
“The Browns can’t ignore the need for getting a bona fide young drafted franchise QB moving on from Kevin Stefanski. Simpson would give them some short-area accuracy, leadership and athleticism in the Bo Nix mold.” (Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News)
Advertisement
More Browns News: