NFL insider has opened the door for the Cleveland Browns to make a true wild card move in the 2026 NFL Draft

Noise around the Cleveland Browns is picking up with the draft approaching. A recent update from ESPN makes it seem like an unexpected move is on the table for the Browns.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks about the hiring process during Todd Monken’s introductory press conference at the Cleveland Browns training facility, Feb. 3, 2026, in Berea, Ohio.

With it being the week of the 2026 NFL Draft, heads need to be on a swivel. With the Cleveland Browns set to make two first-round picks on Thursday, anything is possible. 

There’s plenty of noise around the Browns wanting to make a trade back from the No. 6 overall pick. Cleveland would have the No. 24 overall pick still to make later in the first round. The Browns have two clear needs to be addressed early in the draft between wideout and offensive tackle, but it’s not a lock that’s the direction they go. 

Insider drops potential curveball update for the Browns 

Just because the Browns have those two spots to fill, don’t be surprised if they go another direction. Anything is on the table in a draft that’s as unpredictable as any in recent memory.  

“I was told from the source with the team, it would be short-sighted to assume they’re just going to fill two needs with their two first round picks and just go from there,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said recently. “They’re very open to a surprise here at some point if they took another position.”

Cleveland has been connected to players like Carnell Tate and Makai Lemmon as early possibilities for wide receiver. When it comes to offensive tackle, Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano are the names to know. With another pick at No. 39 and a deep draft for wide receiver, it’s not out of the possibilities that the Browns just go best player available with their first pick. 

Being prepared for anything is just the Browns doing their due diligence for any scenario thrown at them. The Browns have met with a player like EDGE David Bailey — and perhaps they would take him at No. 6 if he fell down the board for some reason. 

Cleveland needs to first see what happens in the first five picks before deciding which direction they’re going to go. Offensive tackle and wideout seem most likely, but a trade could shake anything up. If an unexpected player is available at another position, Cleveland could pounce.

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