Dane Brugler let the cat out of the bag regarding what the Cleveland Browns are trying to do early in the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is a week away and the Browns will have two first round picks. Dane Brugler confirmed what Cleveland is trying to do early in the draft.
We’re now a week away from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see a trade active opening night. When it comes to making a trade in the first round, the it could be in the Cleveland Browns’ draft plans.
The Browns pick at Nos. 6 and 24 on the first round next Thursday with glaring needs at left tackle and wide receiver. Picking at six gives the Browns limited options for a high-end tackle prospect or top wideout.
Carnell Tate is expected to be the first wide receiver off the board and he could be gone by No. 6, it’s also possible the Browns don’t see him as worth the No. 6 pick. The closer we get to the draft, the clearer it’s becoming that the Browns want to move back if they can.
Smoke around the Browns wanting to trade back grows
Dane Brugler of The Athletic released a seven-round mock draft and on the first pick made the Browns, he dropped a key note.
“Mendoza going No. 1 and the Browns looking to trade back — those are about the only two things we for sure know will be happening early in Round 1. Fano will be high on the Browns’ wish list if they stick and pick at No. 6, and he’s a no-brainer at No. 12 in this trade-back scenario.”
Dane brugler
The Athletic
You can view the full 7-round mock here for yourself. I’ll produce what the first round looks like below with a proposed trade with the Dallas Cowboys. Cleveland sent picks 6 and 39 to the Cowboys for Nos. 12 and 20. Cleveland theoretically makes three picks in the first 24 selections.
Round 1, Pick 12: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Round 1, Pick 20: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Round 1, Pick 24: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Should the Browns trade back?
I’m pretty comfortable with the Browns taking Tate to upgrade their wideout group if he’s there at No. 6. Staying put and taking a player with WR1 abilities to fill a major need seems like the simple move. The Browns would still have picks 24 and 39 to add difference makers and potentially a starting tackle.
There’s a chance Tate isn’t there, then I’d think about making this move. Maybe the Browns try to get another late pick, but you can’t go wrong with three picks in the first round. Cleveland would have a great opportunity to add some high-end talent to its roster.
