Beyond offensive needs, the Cleveland Browns may be quietly eyeing defensive end talent. Are the top edge rushers in play with the No. 6 overll pick?
Most of the pre-draft conversation around the Cleveland Browns has been focused on the team's most glaring offensive needs, and understandably so.
The holes at left tackle and wide receiver are so massive that they supersede any of the other roster flaws. Still, other needs remain, even on the defensive side of the ball, where Cleveland boasted one of the NFL's best units in 2025.
And even though star defensive end Myles Garrett, fresh off a season where he set the single-season sack record, resides on that side of the ball, the Browns may be inclined to add an edge rusher in next week's NFL Draft.
It's not as crazy as it may sound.
Outside of the three major offensive line additions of Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins that Andrew Berry made at the start of the new league year, the only other notable moves came in replacing LB Devin Bush with Quincy Williams and adding ex-Bills DE A.J. Epenesa.
The latter of those moves, however, fell through after Epenesa failed his physical. Whether it's a pressing need or not, there was clearly an emphasis put on adding some depth to the defensive end group. Berry seemingly always prioritizes bolstering the defensive line depth where he can, and considering how much those positions are rotated, it's hardly surprising.
Just last year, the Browns GM opted for trading back from No. 2 overall in the NFL draft with the Jacksonville Jaguars, to No. 5 overall to select DT Mason Graham. Stunning as the move was, considering the team's needs on offense at the time, it sets the precedent that nothing is out of the question for Berry and the Browns.
A similar situation could present itself this year with Cleveland picking No. 6 overall. Near the top of the draft, at least three defensive ends are in play to be top 10 picks. That list includes Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Texas Tech's David Bailey and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr.
Any of those three could theoretically be considered best player available if they make it to the Browns at six. Given Berry's adamancy that they don't need to be held hostage by the needs and have the flexibility to take the best player available regardless of position, nobody should be surprised if defensive end is ultimately the selection.
Bailey has reportedly been in for one of Cleveland's top 30 pre-draft visits. Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas is another confirmed visitor to Berea, who is likely to be in the mix on Day 2 of the draft, making the Browns' interest in an edge rusher even more legitimate.
2026 boasts a deep class of edge prospects, which means there's value to be had at the position later on. While Cleveland's most pressing needs reside on the offensive side of the ball, don't underestimate the team's pursuit of a defensive end next week. It may even come earlier than expected.
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