There has been plenty of debate to this point over what the Cleveland Browns should do with each of their first-round picks. With some massive holes to fill on the offensive side of the ball, drafting for need seems smart. It's never that simple, though, and drafting the best player available is how the best teams are truly built. 

The Browns will ultimately have to weigh those things when they are on the clock, particularly at No. 6 overall. They will certainly have options, though, and that's maybe the most important thing any team can ask for. 

So what does a "dream draft outcome" look like? Here's my stance on what would make for a successful draft weekend, and it all comes down to the first three picks: 

Personally, any dream draft scenario should start with the Browns trading back from No. 6 overall and accumulating as much future draft capital as possible. Doing so would give Cleveland similar draft flexibility as they have this season to potentially chase a franchise QB if they come to find Shedeur Sanders isn't that in 2026. But also be used to build out the roster around Sanders, if he does prove he's the guy. 

If the Browns pull off a trade back, then I think Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling comes into focus, as arguably the top, pure left tackle of the 2026 class. Freeling has room to grow and will need to get stronger overall, but considering where Cleveland's offense is starting from, they have time to be patient with him. Freeling fills one of the Browns' biggest remaining needs at completes their o-line overhaul. 

This one is easy. With the hole at left tackle officially filled, the Browns can quickly turn their attention to the other massive hole at wide receiver, and there's a pretty good chance that Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. is still available at this spot. 

If so, Cleveland should spring to the podium with his name on the card for Roger Goodell to announce. Cooper Jr. is everything the Browns could use in a wideout.

He primarily operated from the slot in college, but can move outside if needed. His ball skills are elite. His route running needs some refining, but is already good enough for the NFL. His run-after-catch ability is arguably the best of any player in the draft. He feels like the type of player who could FEAST in Todd Monken's offense. 

With Cleveland's two biggest needs addressed, there will be varying opinions about where it should go from here. Some may want them to double down on either of those two positions, but I'm shifting the focus to an underrated Browns need: cornerback. 

I'm also tapping the National Champion Hoosiers' well again, and selecting D'Angelo Ponds. What he lacks in physical traits that NFL teams look for, he makes up for in heart and football IQ. 

His tape shows a player who has great route awareness and instincts and plays like he's more physically gifted than he actually is. He's got the perfect mentality to fill a critical spot on the Browns' defense at nickle corner and drafting him at 39 would complete my dream draft outcome. 

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.