Field Yates' latest mock draft has Cleveland Browns targeting receiver and left tackle in the first round, with a sneaky need coming into focus in round two
The NFL Draft is now under a month away and the Cleveland Browns still have some obvious holes to fill on their roster, particularly on offense. Armed with two first-round picks and four of the first 70 picks, Cleveland has a great opportunity to inject some young talent into its roster.
With the draft closing in, the mock drafts are becoming more prominent and insightful, with insiders gathering more information on what direction each team could be leaning.
ESPN's Field Yates recently dropped his latest mock draft, which covers the first two rounds. In it, he has the Browns utilizing their pair of first-round picks to address their two most glaring needs on offense. What's interesting is the order in which Yates has them doing so.
With the No. 6 pick, Yates has Cleveland selecting Ohio State wide receiver, Carnell Tate. His explanation:
The Browns' most obvious needs are at wide receiver and offensive tackle -- despite plenty of new additions -- and I've been an advocate for considering Georgia's Monroe Freeling here to fill the left tackle need. But Tate is rated four spots higher than Freeling in my individual rankings, so let's go with the sure-handed wideout.
There's no denying that wide receiver remains the biggest weakness on the Browns roster right now, especially since they've done nothing to add to the group in free agency.
Left tackle is also up there, though, as far as needs go. Yates has the Browns checking that box next with pick No. 24, where they select Caleb Lomu out of Utah. His reasoning:
Cleveland's patience at left tackle pays off here by landing Lomu, who held down that spot opposite of Spencer Fano for the past two seasons at Utah. Lomu did not surrender a sack in 2025, but he must become a more physically formed tackle with improved strength at 6-foot-6, 313 pounds.
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (OL33) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesWith the two biggest needs now accounted for, Yates goes to the other side of the ball as his mock draft rolls into the second round, where he takes South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse. His explanation:
Cornerback is a sneaky need for the Browns opposite five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward . Cisse is a high-upside player who is comfortable getting up into press coverage and being physical with wide receivers at the point of attack.
Yates mock makes a lot of sense from a standpoint of Cleveland truly targeting areas of need. Even cornerback, to his point, is an underrated one for the Browns. The month ahead will bring even more insight into how they plan on utilizing their arsenal of picks.
Browns Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Browns. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.