NFL Combine week presents the perfect opportunity to drop my first 2026 Mock Draft, and at this point, there is plenty of debate over what the Cleveland Browns should do with the No. 6 overall pick. 

With so many glaring needs on offense, they could find themselves on the clock with a top defensive talent on the board. Drafting best player available is a smart team-building strategy for any team. It's one that, frankly, the Browns generally followed last year to build a star-studded 2025 draft class. 

Still, the holes on offense can't be ignored, and passing on some top players on that side of the ball may be hard for GM Andrew Berry to do. One thing is for sure: Berry will have plenty of options with the first of two first-round picks he has at his disposal. 

Understanding what the Browns needs are, I took an interesting approach to this first mock draft, and perhaps a controversial one for many. 

Have a look: 

Many experts consider Ioane the best offensive lineman in the draft, but taking a guard at six is unheard of, so the Browns trade back from No. 6 with the Miami Dolphins, who wanted Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. 

In the deal, Cleveland gets pick 11, pick 111 and a 2027 first, in exchange for pick No. 6, pick 107, and a future sixth-round pick. The 2027 first is the kicker here. It gives the Browns more flexibility next year, especially if they decide they need a QB and they get Ioane, who is an instant plug-and-play guard to begin their o-line overhaul. 

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah noted that to many NFL teams, Freeling isn't that far off from top tackles like Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano. There is also plenty of chatter about Mauigoa needing to shift inside to guard. 

Instead of having to test that out for themselves, the Browns grab the best interior guy available, then grab Freeling later, who has most of the physical traits needed to play tackle. He may need to add some muscle at the next level and could develop some better hand placement, but the athleticism is there. There's a lot to like with Freeling.

Another trade, this one on a smaller scale, as Cleveland moved up a few picks to ensure they could land one of the best receivers left on the board. Berry had to give up pick 39 and pick 144 in the deal. A small price to pay to address another critical need, 

Cooper Jr. had a terrific, championship-winning season catching passes from the eventual Heisman winner, and likely No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. He racked up 937 yards and 13 TDs in 2025, and scored 20 times in each of the last two seasons. 

Cooper Jr. did most of his work out of the slot, but is versatile enough to lineup anywhere. Some are comping him to Deebo Samuel, making him a perfect Swiss army knife for a Todd Monken to score points "any way possible." 

Value-wise this pick made a lot of sense. Hecht is still a bit raw, but as a third-round pick to add even more depth along the offensive line, it makes plenty of sense.

I wouldn't anticipate Hecht starting immediately or anything. In fact, if the Browns plan on starting Luke Wypler next season, Hecht could simply be a backup option for any of the three interior o-line positions. 

© Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Finally, Berry ends the run on offense by selecting Clark to bolster the safety spot and, more importantly, the secondary as a whole. Right now, the Browns can feel pretty good about the starters in the secondary with Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, but some depth is needed. 

Clark spent most of the 2025 season in the slot, which is maybe the one area of Cleveland's secondary that isn't solidified yet. A number of players rotated at that spot last year, not Clark can potentially provide some stability. 

Got a feeling this will be the most controversial pick of the entire mock. I get it. Allar has all the physical traits, but they never proved to be enough to make him a dominant QB in college. Traits matter to NFL teams, though, especially at this position.

I've been adamant Monken will add at least one QB this offseason. That may come in free agency, but perhaps he'll talk himself into a rookie he wants to develop, too. Either way I don't think QB is totally off the table AND Allar is a Northeast Ohio guy, so fans will come around. 

Fisher isn't some rangy, sideline-to-sideline coverage backer. He lacks the elite-level speed to be that style of player. But he's as sure a tackle as you'll find in this draft and has fantastic instincts. 

With Devin Bush's future uncertain, the Browns would be wise to address the linebacker group in some capacity via the draft. Plus, Fisher is a future special teamer in the making. 

While Cooper Jr. is more of a slot guy, Douglas is more of an outside receiver. His size is super intriguing, being listed at 6-4, 204 pounds. He's also a very fluid route runner, but lacks the top-end speed that would have made him a higher selection. 

Still, if the Browns decide the Cedric Tillman experiment is over, Douglas could be the next man up to become that big-bodied WR tams look for. 

Clearly, Ihave a type in this mock, and it's National Champions. What I love about Nowakowski specifically is that he's so versatile. Curt Cignetti used him as a tight end, as a fullback, as an extra blocker. 

Thinking about Monken's emphasis on playing to his players' strengths, there's a lot he can do with Nowakowski. 

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