ClutchPoints
The Cleveland Browns have often been known for the NFL Draft over the entirety of the 21st century, often for all the wrong reasons. The team has become notorious for selecting massive draft busts. They’ve owned the first overall pick on numerous occasions, too, and they’ve had varying results with the top selection.
Their draft experience in 2025 was interesting because they walked away with two rookie quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Neither first-year quarterback has established himself as the franchise signal caller, and the team could end up taking another gunslinger, especially because they will be picking near the top of the draft board yet again in 2026 after a disappointing year.
Regardless of how the Browns feel about their current quarterback situation, the team actually had a pretty successful 2025 NFL Draft process. They walked away with Mason Graham at pick five, Carson Schwesinger may very well end up as the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Quinshon Judkins was one of the best first-year offensive players before he went down with a season-ending injury. Harold Fannin has even emerged as a potential star.
The Browns will need a similarly impressive draft if they are to escape league bottom-dweller status. Luckily, as has often been the case over the years, Cleveland has tons of draft capital. They have two first-round selections and four total picks within the first 67 draft choices. So, let’s look at the PFF simulator to mock what Cleveland can do within the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The first overall pick will likely either go to the Las Vegas Raiders or the New York Giants. The Browns will likely be picking soon thereafter, though. They have plenty of needs that need to be addressed. As mentioned earlier, it isn’t a guarantee that Cleveland will move forward with either of their first-year quarterbacks. Elite QB prospects are always selected near the top of the draft, so the Browns might not be able to afford passing on a signal caller while they are up there.
Whoever is throwing the football will need a reinforced offensive line. Cleveland couldn’t keep their quarterbacks upright this year, so they will need upgrades at both guard and tackle. A potential quarterback draftee will also need more pass-catching help. Harold Fannin lines up outside on occasion, but he is a tight end by trade. There aren’t many great receivers on the offense.
Jerry Jeudy is a premier route runner, but he has never quite lived up to expectations. Isaiah Bond and Cedric Tillman are solid, but they might be more complementary pieces. The Browns should draft another receiver in 2026. Offense is the priority, but they should also look for defensive help in the form of a pass-rushing partner to pair opposite Myles Garrett. Teams are forced to double or triple-team the soon-to-be Defensive Player of the Year. If they couldn’t do that because there...
