If the Cleveland Browns need clarity ahead of the 2026 draft, they need not look any further. Former star offensive lineman Joe Thomas has praised the team for roster development so far and suggested which key positions to focus on. 

In his latest interaction with Browns Daily, Thomas, a Hall of Famer, lauded the team for getting good offensive linemen from free agency, like Zion Johnson and Tytus Brown. Then, Thomas spoke about the position that needs to be tackled in the draft. 

“We got to get weapons, right? We need receiver," the former OL said. "That's probably, if I look at it, our biggest need that we can address in this draft.

"Then I'd like to get a tackle, right? We still need a tackle for sure. You can always use more offensive linemen, more great tackles. You usually got to get those guys in the first round.”

The Cleveland Browns went 5-12 in the 2025 season, with an offence that was ranked 31st overall. The quarterback shuffle was disastrous, and the wide receivers fell short equally. Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are the only two reliable options remaining with the team, and their production is not enough to carry the Browns offense.

Jeudy caught 50 passes for 602 yards and scored only two touchdowns. Tillman, on the other hand, registered 21 receptions for 270 yards and a pair of scores. There is a clear need for an impact receiver, and the draft has some interesting names.  

The Cleveland Browns can go for the best in the lineup with Ohio State's Carnell Tate, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, or USC's Makai Lemon.

When it comes to the offensive line, Cleveland knew it had to go through a major overhaul. Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin were limited with injuries, and so was Luke Wypler, their center. The weakened O-line allowed 143 pressures and 21 sacks, with a 44.1 pass-blocking grade, the lowest across the league in 2025. 

Cleveland needed urgent fixes here. They've got some good talent from free agency, but still need a promising left tackle. Some names floating around as their possible picks for a left tackle are OT Caleb Lomu and OT Monroe Freeling. There are other better prospects like Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano, but they are right tackles.

But there is also the question of the Browns' signal caller, which has also been a troubling position for the team as of late.

Are There No Promising Quarterbacks for the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 Draft Class?

Thomas said that the Browns will find a solution in the next season. To him, there are no QB prospects worth spending a top pick on. 

“I think the quarterback situation is probably going to be something that they're going to try to address next year, just by the evaluation of the draft class this year," he said. "There's not that quarterback that they would want to give up a King's ransom to move up to be able to go get at number one or number two." 

Thomas' words ring true. The QB class in the draft is weak this year, as the gap between the No. 1 and No. 2 QBs is huge. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has locked out the No. 1 spot for himself and will very likely go to the Raiders. Behind him comes Ty Simpson, who was a good quarterback, but is not in Mendoza's league. He was, however, an expected pick for the Browns at No.6. Behind him, there is a sharp drop.

Moreover, it is very likely that no QB from this year's draft will be getting a starting job. They will have to sit this year out as a backup. The Browns could simply get more value for money in investing their top picks in players who are ready for action.

But Cleveland does have to sort out the quarterback problem, as there is no clarity on who is the right one for the team. Veteran Deshaun Watson and 2025 draftee Dillon Gabriel have had disappointing performances, while that of Sheduer Sanders was also loaded with difficulty.

The Browns need to make better choices than in the past to improve their offense. What do you think it will look like in 2026? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Afreen Kabir