Browns mock draft roundup: How Cleveland’s O-line overhaul flips the first round strategy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The new NFL league year has officially started and with it the confirmation of the first wave of signings from “free agent frenzy”.
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This ushers in the next wave of mock draft predictions as team needs have changed. The Cleveland Browns went on a much needed offensive line spending spree via trade and signings. However, a huge hole at left tackle remains, and nothing was done to address the wide receiver position.
Below are five different mocks to show the variety of opinions of what GM Andrew Berry should do with his pair of first round picks.
More: The 3 best remaining free agents the Browns need to target for the 2026 season
No. 6
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
“The talks of who will be QB1 in Cleveland are heating up, and it appears to be between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson on a comeback mission. This will play out to be an interesting battle throughout this offseason with new HC Todd Monken. But regardless of who is QB1, the Browns need to reload at the receiver position. With the No. 6 pick, they go after in-state WR and Ohio State star Carnell Tate. Tate has a big frame and is a smooth route runner who would be a plug-and-play, immediate upgrade to this WR room.” (Keith Sanchez, The Draft Network)
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Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
“A busy week for the Browns has been led by three major offensive line additions: right tackle Tytus Howard (via trade), guard Zion Johnson and center/guard Elgton Jenkins. All three players signed deals worth eight figures annually, but I think Cleveland will take this O-line investment one step further.
Freeling has been a favorite of mine throughout the predraft process and has as much upside as any offensive tackle in this class. He could develop into Cleveland’s starting left tackle, as his ability to mirror rushers with his lateral agility and length at 6-foot-7 (34¾-inch arms) stand out. The ideal situation for Freeling would be spending time as a sixth offensive lineman right out of the gate, but most teams picking this high can’t offer that.” (Field Yates, ESPN)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
“The Browns completely remade their offensive line in free agency by signing left guard Zion Johnson and center Elgton Jenkins and trading for right tackle Tytus Howard. However, there’s still an opening at right guard with Wyatt Teller hitting the open market. Even though Fano played right tackle the last two years at Utah, he expressed openness at the combine to playing inside. That would be best given his 32 1/8-inch arms.” (Garrett Podell, CBS Sports)
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No. 24 (via Jacksonville)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
“After selecting Carnell Tate at No. 6, the Browns turn their attention to an offensive line that was tagged with the worst PFF pass-blocking grade and the fourth-worst PFF run-blocking grade in the NFL in 2025. Lomu, on the other hand, earned an impressive 82.1 PFF pass-blocking grade at Utah with no sacks allowed this past season.” (Max Chadwick, PFF.com)
Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
“The Browns ought to give Myles Garrett, the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as much help as possible to prolong his career. They could create an excellent, long-term defensive tackle duo between Mason Graham and Lee Hunter. Hunter is a strong and wide defensive tackle, which made him an outstanding run defender with Texas Tech. Garrett and others can help him improve as a pass rusher in the NFL.” (Garrett Podell, CBS Sports)
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Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
“Cleveland is better situated to use its second first-round pick to select a receiver from a deep class at the position than it is to find an offensive tackle here. With his go-get-it mindset frequently paying off on tight-window throws and even errant passes, Boston would make life a degree or two easier for the Browns’ future quarterback.” (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today)
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