The Athletic's Dane Brugler's latest mock draft has Cleveland Browns using their two first round picks to address some of their biggest needs on offense
While the Cleveland Browns wade through their search for a new head coach, the conversation about how they'll approach the 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner.
Currently, Cleveland is slated to pick No. 6 overall with its own first-rounder and No. 24 overall with the pick it acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars last year. With two picks in the first round, the Browns have a chance to transform their roster, especially on offense.
That's exactly what NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler has the Browns doing in his latest mock draft, which took into account Dante Moore's massive decision to return to Oregon in 2026. It's a decision that figures to impact how things will play out in the first round of this year's draft, with Fernando Mendoza now the belle of the ball in a weaker quarterback class.
So, how does Brugler have the Browns using their two first-round selections?
First up, at No. 6 overall, Brugler has Cleveland addressing a key hold on the offensive line by drafting Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
His reasoning:
The Browns need a complete makeover on the offensive line — and that is tough to do in a meaningful way without spending premium resources.
Some NFL teams have Mauigoa on their draft boards as a guard, but he has 33-inch arms and has been exceptionally consistent in pass protection all season for the Hurricanes. He has the highest floor of any offensive lineman in the 2026 draft class.
The Browns offensive line is due for a major makeover this offseason as key veterans like Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin and Ethan Pocic are all pending free agents. So is guard Joel Bitonio, who is likely to consider retirement. It's certainly fair to reason that Cleveland will look to spend some draft capital to address their needs in the trenches on offense.
Later, Brugler has the Browns addressing another massive offensive need at wide receiver, selecting Texas A&M wideout KC Conception with the Jaguars' pick no. 24 overall.
His reasoning:
The Browns currently have a bottom-five wide receiver depth chart, so finding an upgrade should be a priority early in the draft.
Concepcion is a fluid, gliding athlete who specializes in getting open before the catch and creating after it. He would be an immediate starter (slot or Z).
While Ohio State's Carnell Tate figures to be the most coveted WR in the class, Brugler has him going No. 4 overall to the Tennessee Titans in this mock, before the Browns even make their first pick.
That forces them to circle back at 24 to address their desperate need to pass catchers by taking Concepcion.