The NFL draft is Thursday. Today is Wednesday. Time to look at another creative way to put together a Cleveland Browns mock draft. We’ve done trade-down mocks, including a new trade partner coming to light version on Tuesday. We’ve done our DBN community mock draft. We’ve done an all-offense version.

Today, we look at a Browns mock draft that would make sense if the whole goal was to win in 2026 with HC Todd Monken finally getting his first head coaching job and DE Myles Garrett still wanting to win games, not just go from Cleveland to Canton. Some of these picks would be fine in any kind of mock draft, but are specifically done with one question in mind: “Who is available here that would contribute most to winning in 2026?”

First round – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Who knows how his back issue will hold up, but in Year 1, we can insert Mauigoa in at left tackle and know he is just going to try to maul whoever is in front of him. There is a lot of boom/bust potential with that plan as a rookie, but we are choosing the upside potential with this pick.

First round – DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

If winning in 2026 is the most important thing, McDonald can help the Browns defense take another step up and help force more turnovers. Loved as a run stuffer, McDonald has a lot of pass rush moves as well, setting up an even scarier rotation on the defensive line.

Second round – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

With questions still at quarterback, give me the best contested catch guy, according to one expert, who can also open things up for Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. Boston’s long speed could limit his ability to become a true WR1, but could help in 2026 wins.

Third round – TE Oscar Delp, Georgia

Knows Monken, fills a specific and versatile role on offense? Sounds like someone who can help win right away.

Fourth round – S Bud Clark, TCU

Remember, this is all about winning now. Clark spent over half a decade in college and was a turnover machine. He may lack the physical upside for the long-term, but could contribute to Cleveland’s defense and special teams right away.

Fifth round – LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU

Perkins could play a limited version of what Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was for the Browns defense: Everywhere. He may not have a best position, but he can make an impact in a sub-role rushing the passer, covering short area zones, and on special teams as a rookie.

Fifth round – WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

Highly unlikely Stribling falls this far, but we will take the physical presence and work ethic of the college veteran receiver. Stribling does a little bit of everything for an offense, including in the run game as an insert blocker. We will take him on the team in the fifth round in any sort of mock draft.

Sixth round – QB Carson Beck, Miami

We are not drafting Beck here with the assumption that he is a good QB prospect, but with the understanding that anything can happen at the quarterback position, and Monken will want to be prepared. Beck has a lot of college experience to fall back on, at least, if called upon to play as a rookie. Again, all about who we can select to win in 2026.

Seventh round – WR Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati

Almost zero chance Caldwell falls this far, given his height and speed combination, but we will take an explosive player this late in the draft and hope to get a couple of big plays out of him this year.

This mock draft was created using Pro Football Network’s Simulator

Do you think the Browns should try to draft with winning in 2026 as the primary goal? Who are some of the prospects you would select as “win now” guys?

Share your thoughts on this win-now version mock draft in the comment section below

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