Needs take priority for the Cleveland Browns in the first round, as moves down and up the board leave them making five picks in the first 88
It's all eyes on Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry with the NFL Draft a little over a week away. After delivering a slam dunk draft class in 2025 that provided a promising foundation for the team's future, he'll now be tasked with pulling it off again in 2026.
The Browns biggest needs are hardly a secret, but drafting strictly for need is considered irresponsible in NFL circles. With two first-round picks at his disposal, there are endless outcomes for Berry.
With this latest mock draft, I tried to capture one of the most likely outcomes, at least in terms of how those two first-rounders may play out.
Round 1, Pick 6 – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Wide receiver and tackle are the two most heavily mocked position groups to Cleveland this offseason, and rightfully so. And while nobody should be surprised if the Browns didn't take one of those two positions and instead went best player available. It's certainly possible that Tate is the best player available when they're on the clock.
Tate is the top WR in the class in the eyes of most draft experts, and instantly slots in as Cleveland's top outside threat.
Round 1, Pick 24 – T Caleb Lomu, Utah
With two first-round picks, the common thought is that Cleveland will prioritize wide receiver with one and tackle with the other, or vice versa. That's exactly what happens here, after taking Tate at six.
The run on tackles happened shortly after that, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking Monroe Freeling. Francis Mauigoa went to the Dallas Cowboys three picks later, then Spencer Fano to the Los Angeles Rams at 13. Finally, the Minnesota Vikings took Kadyn Proctor at 18, leaving Lomu, one of the draft's only pure left tackles, for the Browns at 24.
Round 3, Pick 42 – DE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Several teams came calling when Cleveland was on the clock at 39, but the New Orleans Saints were the only ones willing to attach a future third to the deal that included sending pick 149 to the Bayou.
Three picks later, the Browns bolster their depth at pass rusher by drafting R Mason Thomas out of Oklahoma, a prospect who has visited Berea on a top-30 visit. No, edge is not a pressing need, but given how the Browns rotate guys up front, adding to the group is never a bad idea.
Berry always has a knack for drafting defensive backs. 2025 was the only year he didn't draft one. It just so happens to be a position of need for the Browns this year, more specifically, a corner who can hold down the nickel spot.
Stukes is a flawless fit after taking most of his snaps in the slot throughout his career. He's also a proven veteran, having spent six years in college after tearing his ACL in 2024. Despite all that, he showcased some elite speed during the pre-draft process, posting a 4.3 forty.
Round 3, Pick 88 – TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Delp's stock has been on a rocket to the moon throughout the pre-draft process so much so that he's now projected to be a day two pick. He also played for Monken at Georgia where the Browns new head man spent three years as an OC and won two national championships, so there's an obvious connection there.
With the Browns' next pick originally slated for 107, I got aggressive wanting to add another weapon at tight end and moved up to 88 with a familiar trade partner the Jacksonville Jaguars. The final package included picks 107, 146, 248 and a future fifth, to get 88 and pick 233.
Delp is a fluid athlete who didn't necessarily flash enough on tape at Georgia, but has a very high ceiling. With the right coach, and a reunion with Monken, Delp could thrive as a pass catcher at the next level.
After waiting a while to pick again, the Browns opt for a project quarterback in the sixth round. Berry said at the annual meetings that if Cleveland did add a QB, it would likely lean younger. The draft is the most logical place to find a young QB.
Robertson is tall, but lacks the hand size NFL teams prefer for a QB. He can read zone coverage well, particularly cover 2, but struggles with his accuracy in certain areas of the field, including on deep balls.
Nowakowski has kind of become a go in the seventh round of my mocks. His versatility is something Todd Monken should love, especially after making it known he wants to add a fullback to the roster.
During Indiana's run to a National Championship, Curt Cignetti used Nowakowski as a FB, a tight end, even an extra blocker. Monken would find similar ways to use him, no doubt.
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