ESPN has the Cleveland Browns taking an elite playmaker, and another player they badly need in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The mock draft haul from ESPN would be a good fit for the Browns.
The draft isn’t until April but with the NFL Scouting Combine here this week things are beginning to heat up.
It’s another very important draft for the Cleveland Browns, and the first with Todd Monken as the head coach. Cleveland brought in what looks like a very strong class a year ago. They’ll need to replicate it again this April if they want to speed up the rebuild.
Mock draft season is in full swing as we approach April, so let’s dive into another.
ESPN’s latest NFL mock draft has the Browns filling two needs
Mel Kiper Jr. has the Browns filling two major needs at both wide receiver and offensive tackle in the first round of his latest mock.
Round 1, Pick 6: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
“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.”
Round 1, Pick 24: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
“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.”
You’d have to be thrilled with this draft haul for Cleveland
The Browns need more playmakers and drafting Tate gives them a player with WR1 potential. Tate is a smooth route runner at 6-foot-3, can win deep, and makes contested catches regularly. Cleveland doesn’t have a player with the talent of Tate and drafting the Ohio State Buckeyes wideout should be on the list of potential outcomes for Cleveland.
Tate is an immediate upgrade to the wide receiver room for the Browns and there too player makers would then be Harold Fannin Jr., Jerry Jeudy, Tate, and Quinshon Judkins.
While the Browns didn’t draft an offensive lineman with the first pick, they took a tackle with as high a ceiling as anyone in this draft. Freeling is an athletic tackle who is already a rather good pass blocker. Drafting tackles over signing them in free agency is the way to go, and the Browns should very much be in on the Georgia tackle.
Free agency is going to be telling for the Browns. They have an entire offensive line they’ll need to figure out. Don’t be surprised if the Browns go with signing guards and drafting tackles.
A first round like this sets the Browns up with the ability to go several ways with their second and third round picks. The thing to watch here will be whether or not Freeling rises too high for the Browns to take with the second pick.
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