Final Browns’ 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland makes a trade and finds a ton of talent to add to the team
It is NFL Draft week where the Browns will have two first round picks. We’re digging in on one final mock today for Cleveland.
It’s NFL draft week and the first round will begin on Thursday when the Cleveland Browns are scheduled to make a pair of selections at No. 6 and No. 24. As this draft process has gone on, it’s seemed more and more likely that those won’t be the exact two spots Cleveland ends up picking.
To start the week I’m putting out my final mock draft around what I think the Browns will do. I’ve shifted my focus from what I would want Cleveland to do, to what I think they’ll do. And yes, I think a trade is on tap.
Trade: Browns send 2026 first-round pick (No. 6) to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 9), third-round pick (No. 74, and fourth-round pick (No. 109)
Round 1, Pick 9: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Browns trade back and still landing one of the best offensive tackles in the draft makes sense. If Cleveland can trade back and still get a guy they very well could have selected at No. 6, they should do it. Fano gives the Browns a starter on the left side where he’s an athletic tackle with his very best ball ahead.
Round 1, Pick 24: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
I’ve believed that the Browns should select Carnell Tate with pick No. 6 for a while, but trading back and picking a wideout to a similar level feels like the play now. Boston is a big threat at 6-foot-4 who wins downfield and will have a WR1 ceiling in Cleveland’s offense.
Round 2, Pick 39: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
We are at the first pick where I think it’s a true wildcard on what the Browns could do. I have them taking the best player on the board and the top guard. Elgton Jenkins may end up playing guard or center, but if the Browns want to play him at the latter they have another guard option to join Zion Johnson.
Round 3, Pick 70: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
The Browns need a second tight end after letting David Njoku become a free agent. Klare is a great candidate to be that guy because he’s very capable as a receiver and blocker. Klare can play inline or off and he’s a smooth route runner who became a more complete tight end in his one season in Columbus. It would be a nice compliment to Harold Fannin Jr.
Round 3, Pick 74: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
The Browns need to continue adding at cornerback, not just the nickel either. Cleveland doing a partial restructure instead of a full restructure to Denzel Ward’s contract, which could be telling us his time in town isn’t for long. Muhammad is 23 years old and has played a bunch of football. The Texas product is a zone cornerback first.
Round 4, Pick 107: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Clark is a highly productive college safety with 15 career interceptions. Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman are both set to be free agents after the 2026 season and bringing in youth should be on the table.
Round 4, Pick 109: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
There was a time when Shelton was figured to be one of the best tackle prospects for the 2026 draft class. That never materialized and Shelton now looks to be heading toward being a Day 3 pick. A player who likely has flexibility as a guard or tackle would be good depth for Cleveland.
Round 5, Pick 146: Anthony Lucas, EDGE,
Lucas is a big EDGE build around 260 pounds who can rush from the interior or off the end. At this point in the draft, I don’t have a problem with going with traits and that’s what you’re banking on with Lucas. A player with limited production and pass-rush moves, but he certainly looks the part.
Round 5, Pick 149: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
If the Browns take a quarterback, I don’t think they do it until Day 3. Here, I have Cleveland adding to their room with Beck, with whom Monken has a ton of familiarity. Beck is a game manager with a limited arm, but he will have the ability to step in and play in a pinch.
Round 6, Pick 206: Barion Brown, WR, LSU
Adding 4.2 speed late in the draft is something I’m not against and the Browns should continue to add wideouts to the team, even if it means pushing others already around out. Brown could be a real game breaker as a returner and that’s an exciting part of drafting him.
Round 7, Pick 248: David Gusta, DT, Kentucky
Gusta is an interior presence with a quick first step and strong hands, but he has never been able to put up consistent production. Cleveland adding youth to the defensive line should happen every draft and here’s another one to figure into the mix. Gusta is a practice squad candidate if he can’t make the roster.
