The Cleveland Browns never do anything quietly, and the past few seasons have been no exception. A playoff-caliber defense, an offense still searching for stability, and a front office that refuses to stop swinging sets the stage for another pivotal draft. As the franchise looks toward 2026, the Browns find themselves at a crossroads: talented enough to compete, yet still missing the offensive firepower and depth needed to break through into playoff football. On the bright side, the 2025 rookie class is already making noise but with several roster holes becoming impossible to ignore, Cleveland’s front office enters the 2026 draft with clarity, urgency, and opportunity.
Where the Browns Must Improve: The 5 Core Draft Needs
Analysts across the league agree that Cleveland enters the next draft with several glaring roster holes. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter highlights offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker as the Browns’ most urgent needs.
- Wide Receiver (WR)
Jerry Jeudy’s inconsistency and Cedric Tillman’s injury history has left the team without reliable wide receivers. The Browns may need to pick up a playmaker to help the young QB room. We have the Browns taking a WR early with pick 5 (Carnell Tate) Tate, the Ohio State standout would be right at home in Cleveland after putting up yet another spectacular season for the Buckeyes.
- Interior Offensive Line (IOL)
With aging veterans under contract, the interior line is expensive and underperforming. With both guards entering free agency in the off season, we expect Clevland to draft a replacement early, saving valuable cap space. Our mock draft has the Browns taking a guard with their second pick (Olaivavega Ioane). Ioane is the number one left guard in the draft as he’s only given up one QB hit and zero sacks over the past two seasons at Penn St.
- Offensive Tackle (OT)
The Browns offensive line, although improved, is a looming concern. Multiple starters are facing free agency or performance decline directly contributing to the offense’s struggles. Protecting the quarterback is going to be critical going forward. Our mock draft has the Browns taking an Offensive Tackle with their third pick (Trevor Goosby) This 6’7 312 pound twenty-year-old is still a raw talent but his NFL ready frame can be molded into a dominant piece of any offense for years to come.
- Cornerback (CB)
The Greg Newsome trade created issues at cornerback. While the Browns still have Denzel Ward, a lockdown all pro corner, they lack the depth to survive the AFC North gauntlet. We have the Browns taking a Cornerback here in our mock draft (A.J. Harris) A.J. Harris had a phenomenal 2024 season but regressed this year. If the browns can bring him back to form he could be a steal at this position in the draft.
- Linebacker (LB)
Rookie Carson Schwesinger has impressed but free agency threatens two contributing linebackers. With Devin Bush and Jerome Baker potentially departing, Cleveland needs to reload in the middle of the defense. We have the Browns getting a steal late in the draft here. (Jacob Rodriguez) Although undersized, Rodriguez has put up great numbers on Texas Tech’s historic defense this year. He plays with great instinct and toughness forcing 13 turnovers for his team: 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions, leading all defenders.
2025 Rookie Class: Impact and Emerging Stars
The Browns have drafted well in 2025, assembling one of the best rookie classes in the NFL. These rookies are the backbone of Cleveland’s future.
Mason Graham DT (Round 1, Pick 5)
Graham is living up to the expectations of being the #5 overall pick as a disruptive presence inside. His strength and power have helped improve the defensive front and decrease the pressure from all pro Myles Garrett.
Carson Schwesinger LB (Round 2, Pick 33)
Schwesinger has been in the argument for rookie of the year and is the runaway favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Schwesinger has also taken on the responsibility of wearing the green dot helmet, impressively this early into his career.
- 147 tackles
- 2 interceptions
Quinshon Judkins RB (Round 2, Pick 36)
Judkins has been a leader on the Browns offense. He blends power and vision and is on pace for a thousand-yard season.
- 827 rushing yards
- 7 touchdowns
Harold Fannin Jr. TE (Round 3, Pick 67)
Fannin has been one of the best pass catchers of the rookie class. Fannin broke the Browns franchise rookie reception record totaling 70 catches and franchise record for rookie TE receiving yards. - 701 receiving yards
- 5 touchdowns
Dillon Gabriel QB (Round 3, Pick 94)
Gabriel was seen as the future of Cleveland’s QB room at one point this season. He flashed potential but is not viewed as the long‑term starter. He provides valuable depth.
Dylan Sampson RB (Round 4, Pick 126)
Sampson complements lead back Judkins well and gives Cleveland a versatile backfield, offering speed and receiving ability.
- 259 receiving yards
- 116 rushing yards
Shedeur Sanders QB (Round 5, Pick 144)
Sanders is the steal of the draft as a starting caliber QB selected in the 5th round. He’s viewed as a long-term developmental quarterback with massive upside.
- Over 1,100 passing yards 6 touchdowns
- Strong arm, pocket presence, and mobility
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