Sportsvival is full force into scouting for the 2026 NFL Draft, and Cleveland is one of the more interesting teams in the first round because the Browns hold two premium picks at No. 6 and No. 24. With the receiver room already addressed in this mock by landing Carnell Tate at No. 6, the focus shifts to protecting the offense and continuing to stabilize a roster that saw major turnover up front during free agency.
Offseason signings and additions
Cleveland was aggressive in reshaping parts of the roster. The Browns signed or added WR Tylan Wallace, S Daniel Thomas, DT Kalia Davis, C/G Elgton Jenkins, G Zion Johnson, LB Quincy Williams and TE Jack Stoll, while also acquiring T Tytus Howard in a trade with Houston. They also brought back several of their own players, including G Teven Jenkins, P Corey Bojorquez, CB Tre Avery, CB D’Angelo Ross, TE Blake Whiteheart, DT Sam Kamara and DE Julian Okwara.
Offseason departures
The Browns also had some real losses. LB Devin Bush signed with the Bears, LB Mohamoud Diabate signed with the Titans, RB Jerome Ford signed with the Commanders, G Wyatt Teller signed with the Texans, and DE Cameron Thomas signed with the Falcons. On top of that, several notable players hit free agency, including TE David Njoku, T Jack Conklin, C Ethan Pocic, OT Cam Robinson and G Joel Bitonio, which is a big reason the offensive line still feels like a major draft priority.
The Carnell Tate pick at No. 6
At No. 6 overall, Sportsvival already has the Browns taking WR Carnell Tate out of Ohio State. Tate declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after finishing his Buckeye career with 121 catches for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he gives Cleveland another true outside playmaker. That matters, but it also means wide receiver should not be the top issue again at No. 24. Cleveland already added Tylan Wallace in free agency, and the current room still includes Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, so the first-round attention can turn elsewhere after Tate is in the building.
Top 3 Browns needs after the Tate pick
Offensive tackle / offensive line
This is still the biggest one. Cleveland’s official roster review noted that six offensive linemen became free agents, and while the Browns added Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson and re-signed Teven Jenkins, they still need long-term stability on the edge of that line.
Quarterback
The Browns’ current quarterback room includes Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, and the team has said it is still keeping its options open there. Even if Cleveland does not use No. 24 on a quarterback in this mock, it remains one of the biggest roster questions.
Tight end
David Njoku reaching free agency thinned this room out. Cleveland added Jack Stoll, re-signed Blake Whiteheart and tendered Brenden Bates, but this still looks like a spot where the Browns could use more long-term punch around Harold Fannin Jr.
The pick at No. 24: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
With the 24th overall pick, Sportsvival has the Browns selecting T Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama. Cleveland officially owns that No. 24 pick from Jacksonville, and using it on a tackle makes a lot of sense after all the movement up front this offseason. Proctor enters the draft cycle as an Alabama offensive tackle prospect, and he earned 2025 All-American recognition, so this is the kind of swing on high-end trench talent that fits what Cleveland still needs after taking Tate first.
Tate at No. 6 and Proctor at No. 24 would give Cleveland exactly what this draft should be about for them: a weapon and a protector. Tate helps energize the passing game, while Proctor helps answer one of the Browns’ biggest remaining issues on the roster. For Sportsvival, that is a strong first-round haul and a clean way to address the offense without forcing another receiver pick after the first selection.