The Cleveland Browns have plenty of ammunition in terms of picks as the 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away. Some of their biggest needs revolve on offense with left tackle, receiver, and center. They also come into the Draft with two first round selections. Below are some of the best fits that would elevate the team heading into 2026.
2025 Stats: 51 REC, 875 YDS, 9 TDS
The Browns offense struggled mightily in 2025 with little to no downfield passing game. The quarterback situation didn’t help, but no receiver had the ability to takeover a game. Carnell Tate is the consensus best receiver in this class, and has little to no weaknesses. The 6’2 wideout from Ohio State was a deep threat weapon for the Buckeyes offense last season. Making plays deep, over the middle, and on the boundary is what Tate does well.
If the Browns want to draft a player like Tate, pick #6 is the where you are going to have to select him. For the other top receivers in this class it would be early, but for a player with the ceiling and floor of Tate, the selection makes sense.
Receiver is a top need this offseason, and no better way to fill it than taking the best one in the Draft. A true WR1 gives Cleveland’s offense a major spark and whoever is playing quarterback a legit weapon on the outside.
2025 Stats: 77 TKLS, 2 INTs, 3 FF, 6 PDS
Looking towards the defensive side of the ball, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren profiles as one of the top safeties in this class. At 6’3 200 pounds, he has the ability to play deep and disrupt passes while being a reliable tacker. Scouts often say “scout the player, not the helmet” and that applies to Warren being a star in the MAC Conference.
The range he is projected to go in, is the end of Round 1 or early Round 2. The Browns would most likely have to use their 24th overall selection on Warren if they want him. The fit next to Grant Delpit would make the Browns safety duo one of the biggest and most physcial in the league.
While offense seemingly should be the pick in Round 1, a player like Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would elevate the Browns secondary in a massive way.
2025 Stats: 72 REC, 917 YDS, 6 TDS
Chris Bell was one of the most electric playmakers in college football last season before his ACL injury. The massive 6’2 222 pound wideout is a great athlete and makes great adjustments to ball. His draft stock has dropped due to injury, but could be a steal for the right team. The Browns could go any direction in the first round, but at #24 Bell could be an immediate impact in the receiver room.
The fit makes sense and Bell has visited Cleveland on a top 30 visit. The only question comes down to what value makes sense taking a guy who just tore his ACL in November. Bell has WR1 written all over him with his dominant size and sneaky athleticism.
If the Browns go defense or offensive line with their first selection, keep an eye on Chris Bell when the Browns pick again.
2025 Stats: 42 TKLS, 6.5 SACKS, 2 FF
Myles Garrett just won his second defensive player of the year award, but could still use some help on the other side. Zion Young is a massive edge rusher with NFL size. He uses his power and aggression to play through anybody in his way. The physical tools are there, it just comes down to his technique and instincts to become a great player.
The fit for the Browns makes sense, and with the speculation Garrett could eventually be moved, Young becomes the guy. Looking to 2026, a defensive line that features Myles Garrett, Zion Young, Mason Graham, and Maliek Collins could be one of the best in all of football. Young looks to be a second round pick but has gained traction of maybe sliding into the first. The Browns hold the 39th selection in Round 2, making it the perfect range to select Young.
2025 Stats: Lomardi Award Finalist, 15G at LT
There is no secret that the Browns needed help on the offensive line heading into the offseason. Through Free Agency, they filled some of those holes leaving left tackle as the top spot left. Kadyn Proctor is a massive lineman standing at 6’7 352 pounds. Some concerns have come from his weight and mobility protecting the quarterbacks blindspot. The power and size is what teams are so intrigued with, and the ceiling he can grow into with the right coaching.
Proctor has been on the Browns radar sources have mentioned, making him a real option in Round 1. Pick #6 seems rich, but waiting until #24 may leave you with limited options at left tackle. There is no doubt Proctor has the frame to be an elite tackle, but the right coaching will have to be in place for Proctor to develop.
Andrew Berry has taken a tackle from Alabama before in Round 1, so don’t be surprised if he does it again in 2026.
There are plenty of good prospects that fit the Browns from a schematic standpoint. What this team needs is leaders and playmakers that will continue the success from the 2025 draft class. Trades are apart of the Draft, and the Browns have been labeled as a team who could trade back altering their prospect list. Overall, emphasizing playmakers and lineman on offense with a splash on defense this Draft makes the Browns a much improved team in 2026.
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