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Browns predicted to replace Jerry Jeudy.
The Cleveland Browns will look to further bolster their offense this offseason, and a key part will be through the draft.
Cleveland has two first-round picks in this upcoming draft, including the sixth overall pick. Although the Browns are unlikely to draft a quarterback at six, Cleveland could land a difference-maker.
NFL draft analyst and insider Lance Zierlein of NFL.com predicted the Browns would draft wide receiver Carnell Tate with the sixth overall pick. Tate would seemingly be the Browns’ No. 1 receiver and replace Jerry Jeudy, who struggled last season.
“Whether the Browns’ quarterback is already in the building, in this draft class or currently on another roster, Tate will make that man’s job much easier,” Zierlein wrote.
Tate was an impact receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes for three seasons. Yet, he was never the team’s No. 1 receiver. Jeremiah Smith held that role for the past two years, and in 2023, it was Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka.
So, there are some question marks with Tate on how he would handle being a team’s No. 1 receiver, but he was solid in college. Last season at Ohio State, he recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Yet, Tate never surpassed 1000 yards in his career, as his best season was last year.
Browns Predicted to Land OL Help in 1st Round
Cleveland has been heavily linked to drafting an offensive lineman and a receiver with their two first-round picks, and that is what Zierlein has them doing.
Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano is a popular mock draft pick at sixth overall for the Browns. But Zierlein has them going with the top receiver in the draft at six. So, the draft analyst predicts Cleveland will take the other Utah tackle, Caleb Lomu, 24th overall.
“The Browns desperately need help at left tackle. Lomu is a better pass protector than run blocker at this stage,” Zierlein added.
Cleveland will likely address its offensive line during the draft, and using a first-round pick on a tackle of the future makes a lot of sense.
Todd Monken Shares Thoughts on Cleveland’s WR Room
The Browns could overhaul their entire roster this offseason, especially with Todd Monken coming in as their new head coach.
At his introductory press conference, Monken was asked about the state of the Browns’ receiver room and offensive line group, and he admitted it was a work in progress.
“Well, it’s kind of a work in progress,” Monken said. “It’s kind of hard right now because right now we’re spending the majority of our time on building an elite staff. I mean that’s really what we’re doing right now. There’ll be time for me to really get a chance to assess the receiver room. Most of it’s been from afar, and same with the offensive line, and how we’re going to construct the roster moving forward, especially offensively.”
The Browns’ receiver room could be completely overhauled, especially after Jeudy’s disappointing season. He could be a trade candidate as Cleveland will look to bring in new weapons to help out its offense.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB 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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