As the 2025 NFL regular season begins to wind down, the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry will now shift their focus to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Luckily for the struggling franchise, the Browns have two first-round picks in this year’s draft, which could be used to take a quarterback and rebuild the offense. There are multiple quarterbacks that could land in round one, making this an interesting class for Cleveland.
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Without further ado, here is the first edition of the Browns’ 2026 mock draft.
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*Trade with New Orleans Saints. Cleveland gives up picks No. 6, No. 38, and a 2027 third-round pick for No. 3 and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
While there is still some uncertainty with the Browns’ quarterback position, it’s hard to believe Berry would pass up an opportunity to take a first-round quarterback in the 2026 draft.
If he ultimately decides to come out, it is possible that Oregon’s Dante Moore could be the top quarterback prospect in this year’s class. After sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, Moore has turned into one of the best college football quarterbacks this season, throwing for 2,445 yards and 23 touchdowns. In addition to having excellent accuracy at all three levels, Moore has flashed his mobility this year behind a stout Ducks’ offensive line.
Obviously, many speculate that Moore will go back to college in 2026, but Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson are also two names to keep an eye on this offseason.
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*Trade with Las Vegas Raiders. Cleveland receives picks No. 37, No. 69, and a 2027 third-round pick for No. 22 and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
If Berry decided to trade up for a quarterback, there’s a strong chance that he would try to recoup his draft capital and trade out of the first round.
Moving back into the early second round, there are still plenty of wide receiver options, including Louisville’s Chris Bell. At 6-foot-2, 220 lbs., the senior playmaker has recorded 917 receiving yards and six touchdowns this year with the Cardinals. Bell has done a terrific job this season developing his catch radius, which is important for a rookie quarterback.
Pairing the young prospect with Browns’ wide receiver Jerry Jeudy gives the offense a much better pass-catching core prior to the 2026 season.
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In order to ensure the success of a rookie quarterback, Cleveland must completely overhaul their offensive line this offseason.
One of the key building blocks to this effort could be Clemson’s Blake Miller, who has turned into one of the best all-around tackles in college football in 2025. As a four-year starter for the Tigers, Miller has allowed eight sacks and 11 quarterback hits through 2,088 pass blocking snaps. The well-rounded tackle has experience playing on both sides of the line, but will likely play right tackle in the NFL.
The Browns are in desperate need of better offensive line play next season, especially if the team decides to take a rookie quarterback. And while Miller is projected to land in the third round, he could be a huge steal for Berry and the front office.
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Continuing with the offensive line trend, Texas A&M guard Chase Bisontis is a name that has quickly shot up draft boards this season.
The junior interior offensive lineman began his career as a right tackle for the Aggies back in 2023, but made the switch to guard in 2024. Bisontis’ move inside has clearly paid off, as he’s allowed just one sack in his last two seasons at Texas A&M.
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Round Four, Pick No. 106: Will Lee III (CB, Texas A&M)
Round Five, Pick No. 144: Trey Zuhn (OT, Texas A&M)
Round Five, Pick No. 145: Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame)
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Round Seven, Pick No. 219: Robert Spears-Jennings (SAF, Oklahoma)
Round Seven, Pick No. 240: Pat Coogan (C, Indiana)
Round Seven, Pick No. 242: Patrick Payton (EDGE, LSU)
It’s safe to say that Berry will likely select a cornerback at some point in the upcoming draft, and Will Lee III would be a great developmental player in the fourth round for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Since the Browns’ wide receiver room needs major upgrades, a fifth-round flyer on Notre Dame’s Malaki Fields would be an excellent addition alongside Bell.
LSU defensive end Patrick Payton is an intriguing option late in the draft, as he showed flashes of greatness during his time with the Florida State Seminoles.