4-Round Browns’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland’s first pick couldn’t be more obvious with what they’ve done in free agency
The Cleveland Browns have a clear direction to go in the 2026 NFL Draft, and here’s how it should play out.
We’re a couple of weeks past free agency being open and the Cleveland Browns have done a solid job of filling their biggest needs, which came along the offensive line with all five starters from last season’s contracts expired.
The Browns assembled a startling offensive line to step out of their week 1 outside of a hole remaining at left tackle. The Browns can’t fill all of their needs through free agency, and that’s expected with the draft right around the corner.
Let’s start this week with what I would do right now for the Browns in a 4-round mock draft. The draft isn’t until April 23 and things can change, but I’d feel good about Cleveland coming out of the draft with the following players.
Round 1, Pick 6: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns lacked consistent chain movers last season outside of Harold Fannin Jr. and it can’t be the same thing in 2026 if they’re going to take a step forward. Cleveland hasn’t made any notable additions in free agency at wideout, signaling they’re going to draft high at the position next month. Tate needs to be the first player on their board at wide receiver.
Tate can win deep with contested catches and is a good route runner all over the field. Not a player who needs to win with speed, and can give Cleveland a true WR1 profile. There’s no reason to overthink the next star wideout from Ohio State.
Round 1, Pick 24: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Passing at a tackle with the first pick means Cleveland has to land one with their second pick. I think a trade up could be on the board depending on how the draft goes just because Cleveland can’t let a run at tackles take off and miss out. The same would be said about wideouts.
It feels like it’s down to Monroe Freeling and Lomu for the Browns. I think Freeling may go a bit earlier, leaving Lomu to the Browns. Day 1 starter.
Round 2, Pick 39: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
There’s been a decent amount of interest from the Browns and they’ve already had a top 30 visit with the pass rusher from Oklahoma. Thomas had 15.5 sacks combined over the last couple of seasons for the Sooners in the SEC. Isaiah McGuire is a free agent after 2026 and the Browns need to continue building the room around Myles Garrett with youth.
Round 3, Pick 70: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Cleveland signed Elgton Jenkins and he could be their starting center, but there’s a world where the Browns’ best offensive line has him playing guard. Slaughter could compete with Luke Wypler for the starting job and give Cleveland the best chance at a true upgrade at the position in 2026. Experience, smart player with SEC pedigree.
Round 4, Pick 107: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Staying with the best player available in the fourth round here could lead Cleveland to a potential future starter on the outside. Muhammad excels in zone coverage and isn’t afraid to get dirty as a tackler. Cleveland needs to prepare for days after Denzel Ward with at least one comeback selected this draft.
Cleveland Browns News
Cleveland Browns are meeting with one of the best playmakers in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they may end up taking him in the first round
The Cleveland Browns are completing another very key top-30 visit ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
