7-Round Browns’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New draft simulator gives Cleveland just what it needs to take a big step forward
A to Z Sports has launched an NFL mock draft simulator, and there’s no better way to celebrate than a 7-round mock.
It’s April Fool’s Day and that means it’s officially the month of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns are scheduled to make nine important selections at the three day even running from April 23-25.
Free agency has been solid for the Browns but they still have a lot of work to do with a big infusion of talent still needed for the roster. If Todd Monken wants the Browns to take a step forward in his first season as the head coach, the team nailing this draft will play a key role. How could the 2026 NFL Draft play out for the Browns? I used our brand new mock draft simulator to try to answer that question.
The A to Z Sports NFL mock draft simulator offers a deeply customizable and data-driven experience with never-before-seen features. Try the mock draft simulator today, before the 2026 NFL Draft arrives!
Round 1, Pick 6: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
It’s pretty simple for me, the Browns’ biggest need is at wide receiver where they need more juice on the offensive side of the football. Cleveland lacks a player with true WR1 ability and Tate brings just that with his ability as a route runner who wins at all levels. Tate may be the safest wide receiver prospect in the draft, and he has a terrific ability to make contested catches. A big-time upgrade for Cleveland with their pass catchers.
Round 1, Pick 24; Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Browns need a left tackle and they have to find the answer there with their first couple of picks. Lomu was rock solid at Utah and should only get better as he continues to add strength. Best case scenario really for the Browns to be able to fill their two biggest needs with their first two picks.
Round 2, Pick 39: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
I went with the best player available on the board here and the Browns add a clear-cut starter for the defense. Johnson can start out in the slot for the Browns, but he very well could be the eventual Denzel Ward replacement. The 6-foot cornerback is versatile with his coverage ability and mirrors route runners with the best of them in this draft.
Round 3, Pick 70: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
The Browns need a second tight end to pair with Harold Fannin Jr. with Jack Stoll strictly a blocker as the third tight end. Klare was already a really good receiving tight end before he transferred from Purdue to Ohio State, but he became more complete in Columbus, including improving his blocking. Klare should play in the NFL for a long time and gives the Browns an exciting tight end duo.
Round 4, Pick 107: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
If Cleveland has any plans of trading Myles Garrett, they’ll be drafting a pass rusher earlier than this. Either way, the Browns need to replace the AJ Epenesa deal falling through after he was set to replace Cameron Thomas. Overton is a long-armed pass rusher who relies on strength, which may give him the ability to slide inside. Cleveland likes players with versatility and it’s solid value here.
Round 5, Pick 146: Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
The board left me with two Alabama players in a row it appears and the Browns land a backup center to add to the roster. Brailsford is a center-only prospect, but could be the backup to Luke Wypler if the Browns end up starting Elgton Jenkins at guard.
Round 5, Pick 149: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Cleveland may want to take a safety earlier than this but I believe Taaffe still gives them a strong prospect here. Taaffe has played a ton of meaningful football and is strong at registering plays happening in front of him. The Browns land some strong safety depth with upside here.
Round 6, Pick 206: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
If the Browns are going to take a quarterback, I feel it should be a late swing in what is a bad class for the position. Klubnik was once a player folks believed could be a first-round prospect but he never took the next step with the Tigers. Klubnik is best in the short to middle depth with some mobility to his 6-foot-2, 207-pound build.
Round 7, Pick 248: Eric McAlister, WR, TCU
McAlister is a one-trick pony as a deep threat and he’s coming off a strong senior season with the Horned Frogs where he recorded 1,190 receiving yards. A player who is worth a swing as a seventh-round pick.
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