With two early picks and trade-down suggestions, the Cleveland Browns could have one of the busiest first rounds in the 2026 NFL Draft.

After ending the 2025 season on a 5-12 note with an offense ranked 31st overall last year, one expert has weighed in on how their first two picks could be utilized. 

ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, in an article published on 21 April, wrote that the franchise could trade away their overall sixth pick to Jerry Jones' franchise. 

“There has been speculation the Browns could trade out of the sixth pick; sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Cleveland has been taking calls about the No. 6 pick and is open to moving it,” Oyefusi wrote in an ESPN article. “ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s final mock draft projects Cleveland to trade the No. 6 and No. 39 picks to the Dallas Cowboys for the 12th and 20th picks.”

The Browns have two first-round picks at No.6 and No.24, which they received in a 2025 trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

In the months leading up to the draft, analysts expect the Browns to pick an offensive player, either a lineman, a wide receiver, or even a quarterback in the first round, but a trade could change things.

However, general manager Andrew Berry’s strategy might surprise many. 

In a pre-draft media session on 16 April, Berry revealed that management’s priorities may not necessarily align with spectators’ sentiments. 

“I think oftentimes the public discourse on the draft focuses on need,” Berry said, “When the reality of it is these players, they're longer-term investments for your organization.”

Oyefusi, in his article, further stressed that the Browns are focusing on “maximizing the assets” for long-term stability. The franchise is working on the “desire to focus on picking elite players instead of chasing needs.”

Based on their off-season move, the Browns might’ve filtered out their desired candidates. 

Mel Kiper’s Trade and Prospects Suggestions For The Browns

The ESPN report argues that the Browns are vying for wide receivers, the least productive group last season (1,467 receiving yards), and offensive tackles. 

Of the known or reported Top 30 prospect visits, the Browns have hosted eight wide receivers. Some notable names were Makai Lemon of USC (No. 10 prospect on Scouts Inc.'s big board), Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and Ohio State's Carnell Tate.

The offensive tackles who met with the Browns were Georgia's Monroe Freeling and Alabama's Kadyn Proctor.

Mel Kiper, a veteran NFL expert, also suggested two names over the Browns-Cowboys trade.

He opined that Denzel Boston from Washington could be the 12th pick. And Kadyn Proctor from Alabama as their 20th. 

Moreover, ESPN research said that 99 wide receivers drafted 17th to 32nd since 1967, 22 went to the Pro Bowl (24%). And out of 89 offensive tackles drafted, 19 became Pro Bowlers (21%). 

By the looks of it, the Browns could make a decision that would improve their state next season. What are your thoughts?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote