The Cleveland Browns need help pretty much everywhere on their roster.
So armed with two first-round picks, they could do first-year head coach Todd Monken a solid by adding some high-upside talent in the Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft.
The position most agree Cleveland needs to address is quarterback, but with Fernando Mendoz likely going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, there’s no QB worthy of the teams’ first pick at No. 6 overall, which is why ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has the selecting Ohio State star wide receiver Carnell Tate in his latest mock draft.
“The Browns need offensive line and receiver reinforcements,” Kiper wrote. “The Browns have two first-round picks. So, although Miami lineman Francis Mauigoa is tempting here, Cleveland would likely take its pick of the entire WR class and kick the can down the order on the OL.
“Tate is at the top of the receiver list right now, with great hands and savvy route running. Cleveland wideouts combined for just four touchdowns last season, so after an 875-yard, nine-TD season, Tate could step in as the top option for the Browns.”
With their second first-rounder, Kiper has the Browns taking Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling.
“The Browns went with Carnell Tate earlier, but their entire starting offensive line from last season is unsigned: Cam Robinson, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin,” Kiper added. “And Dawand Jones, who would have started, is coming off a season-ending knee injury. So we know where this pick has to go.
Freeling has started only 18 games, but he’s a solid pass protector. He just needs some work as a run blocker. His ceiling is high, and I like the idea of pairing the 6-foot-7 Freeling with the 6-foot-8 Jones as the O-line’s bookends.”
Alabama QB Ty Simpson could be in play with Cleveland’s second first-round pick, but at that point the Browns could be content letting Shedeur Sanders start in 2026 and possibly drafting his replacement the following year.
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