The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 NFL Draft still looking to boost an offensive unit that posted the third-worst yards per game mark last season and needs weapons all across the field.
The offensive uncertainty is also present at the quarterback position, although Shedeur Sanders could take over the QB1 role from the get-go in 2026 after finishing 2025 as the Browns starter.
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That said, Sanders will need to compete against Deshaun Watson for the starting role as the Browns continue evaluating their long-term direction.
Cleveland improved parts of the roster during the offseason, including addressing the offensive line, but the receiving group remains a key area of need.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
(Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)
With a glaring need for offensive weapons at skill positions still there, ESPN analyst Matt Miller’s preferred selection at No. 6 is particularly fitting.
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When it was time for the Browns’ pick at No. 6 overall in ESPN’s latest mock draft, Miller made a selection geared toward addressing Cleveland’s offensive gap.
“Makai Lemon, WR, USC,” Miller wrote. “My top-ranked wide receiver in the class goes to the Browns, who are undergoing a youth movement at the skill positions. Lemon can create space for himself and knows how to vary his routes.”
Jerry Jeudy led all Browns wide receivers in receiving yards last season with 602, while no other WR in Cleveland topped 338 yards or scored more than two receiving touchdowns.
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The addition of Makai Lemon would give Cleveland a potential No. 1 receiving option, something the offense doesn’t have heading into the new season.
Lemon finished 2025 with 1,156 receiving yards on 79 receptions, scoring 11 touchdowns. He wrapped up his three years at USC with a total of 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns, hauling in 137 receptions over 33 games.
Sanders, meanwhile, is coming off a rookie season in which he completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards and six touchdowns against 10 interceptions, starting the last seven games of the 2025 campaign.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.