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Browns connected to Kadyn Proctor at sixth overall.
The Cleveland Browns could turn the 2026 NFL Draft on its head.
Cleveland has the sixth and the 24th overall picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns have been heavily linked to drafting a wide receiver and an offensive tackle with the first two picks, but in what order they pick them is uncertain.
If Cleveland goes receiver at sixth overall, all signs point to Carnell Tate. If it’s tackle at sixth overall, the Browns have options, but ESPN NFL insider Jordan Reid connects them to a shocking pick of Kadyn Proctor at sixth.
“The Browns at No. 6 is one that sources have been conflicted on,” Reid wrote. “Offensive tackle and wide receiver are clearly two of their biggest holes, but which order would they attack those positions with their two first-round picks (No. 24 being the latter)? Or would they stick to taking the “best player available” here?
“General manager Andrew Berry could also replicate his strategy from the 2025 draft and trade back. If the Browns do elect to target offensive tackle and receiver, it comes down to which position Cleveland sees as having more depth. If it feels like there’s a shortage of pass catchers that could be available at No. 24, then it should take Tate. … Fano and Monroe Freeling (Georgia) are two names that have been mentioned by sources. But here’s a name that shocked me when speaking about who Cleveland really likes at No. 6 … Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor.”
Cleveland taking Proctor at sixth overall would be a shocker, as he has been expected to go in the late teens or early 20’s. But if the Browns do have him ranked that highly, then perhaps the Browns go in that direction.
Browns Bring Proctor in for Visit
Cleveland is expected to draft some offensive line help, and the team is doing its due diligence.
With the draft just weeks away, the Browns have hosted some prospects for visits. And the team did host Proctor for a visit.
“Source: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor visited the Browns on Thursday. One of the top-rated prospects in the draft, the former Crimson Tide All-American is a possibility for Cleveland. Who own the No. 6 overall pick,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz wrote.
Proctor played from Alabama for three seasons and is one of the top offensive tackles available. The 6-foot-7 tackle was a consensus All-American in 2025 and was first-team All-SEC in 2025.
Cleveland Could go WR at 6
Although Reid believes the Browns could make a shocker and draft Proctor at sixth overall, another insider believes they are focused on wide receiver.
Fellow ESPN NFL insider Matt Miller believes the Browns are focused on wide receiver at sixth overall.
“It’s difficult to predict what Cleveland will do. Se last year’s trade back from the No. 2 pick,” Miller wrote. “But chatter around the league is that wide receiver is in play at No. 6. Carnell Tate (Ohio State) is the name most often associated with the Browns. It should be noted that some leaguewide sources believe the Browns would trade out from No. 6 to a team like Dallas. Which is trying to move up for a pass rusher.”
Regardless, the Browns will be a team to watch at the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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