Browns 3-Round 2026 NFL mock Draft: Cleveland’s first free agency moves make for a clear route of picks come April
The latest mock draft for the Cleveland Browns following the first wave of NFL free agency.
We’re midway through the second day of free agency and contracts can be officially signed on Wednesday. The Cleveland Browns have made two moves so far to note during the tampering period.
Cleveland has agreed to sign G Zion Johnson to be a starter up front for them to replace one of Joel Bitonio or Wyatt Teller, that’s not clear yet. The Browns’ second signing was LB Quincy Williams to replace Devin Bush on the defense.
With the first wave of moves over, let’s take a look at what the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft could look like for the Browns.
Round 1, Pick 6: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Spending big money to sign free agent wide receivers just isn’t good business. Ohio State’s latest product should be on the table for the Browns with their first pick as early as No. 6 if they can’t trade back. Tate would give Cleveland a technical route runner who can win all over the field and make contested catches at a high rate. Cleveland needs a WR1 and Tate can develop into one.
Round 1, Pick 24: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
So far the Browns have yet to address the second offensive tackle spot after trading for Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans this week. After getting a playmaker with the first pick, taking Lomu with the second pick to start along the offensive line would be a nice fit. Cleveland needs an offensive line stud on a rookie contract badly.
Round 2, Pick 39: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Having an elite cornerback in the slot is becoming more and more valuable in the NFL and Ponds is the best this class has to offer. It’s on the table for Ponds to potentially play some outside cornerback even at 5-foot-9 with his athletic ability, but he could start Day 1 in the nickel. Cleveland needs to get better there and it would only take the defense to another level.
Round 3, Pick 70: Connor Lew, C, Auburn
The Browns didn’t bring in a big signing via former Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, or any other center to that matter at this point. Drafting a center on Day 2 should be on the table. Lew would compete with Luke Wypler to start for the Browns and could provide depth on the interior if he doesn’t win the job.
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