The Cleveland Browns are coming off of what looks like a really strong 2026 NFL Draft haul, which was crucial to add to what they were able to bring in a year ago. 

Cleveland went into the draft knowing its biggest needs were on the offensive side of the football. Spencer Fano is going to plug in as left tackle for the Browns — KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston are going to provide a good lift at wide receiver. 

The Browns didn’t ignore defense with a couple of potential difference makers added. Getting S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round was good value, and the Browns added another intriguing piece in the fifth round with former Alabama LB Justin Jefferson. 

Browns fans are going to buy in on what a Cleveland rookie is already saying 

Carson Schwesinger is the centerpiece for the Browns at linebacker and making a jump to being an All-Pro in 2026 wouldn’t be a surprise. But with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah all but confirmed to be out of the picture, it was key for the team to continue adding even after bringing in former New York Jets LB Quincy Williams in free agency.  

Jefferson is going to have a chance to get on the field as depth at linebacker in 2026, and he’s expected to make an early impact on special teams. The former Crimson Tide standout dropped one comment after the draft that not only shows his unselfishness, but also his desire to do whatever he can to get on the field. 

“I have a big passion for special teams,” Jefferson stated. “I love special teams. Even at the combine and any other visit I have, I’ve always told them, I’m like, ‘Hey, I never shy away from beating up on nobody.’ So special teams is something that I’ve always asked to be on and will always want to be on.”

Beating up on people from the linebacker position? Yeah, Browns fans are going to love the idea. Jefferson is a quick linebacker who flies all over the field and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in and deliver a bit. For a Cleveland special teams unit that struggled in 2026, getting better there and adding someone like Jefferson who is going to embrace it is a nice development.

Don’t sleep on Justin Jefferson making a defensive impact as a Day 3 pick  

Jefferson can push to become Cleveland’s third linebacker in the game. It won’t be easy though with returning players Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson, and Dom Jones competing for snaps. 

Jefferson is an intriguing athlete to get on the field at 6-foot, 223 pounds with a 4.57 40-yard dash and 38.5-inch vertical. An explosive athlete that Browns fans are going to likely buy in on special teams in 2026 when he’s running down the field and making plays on kickoff returns. 

Again, don’t rule out him being an impact defender by the end of the season. Jefferson is clearly coming into the NFL with a mindset you want to see and he’s down to get on the field anyway he can.