Breaking Down The Cleveland Browns 2026 Draft Class

The Browns’ first selection in round one was Spencer Fano. One of the main targets of this draft was getting the left tackle of the future, and Cleveland did just that, taking Fano. He is arguably the most athletic tackle in the class and will be a difference maker for the Browns with his versatility and movement skills. What makes this selection even better is the fact that they traded down and ended up with the same player they were eyeing at number six. The Outland trophy winner projects to be Cleveland’s starting left tackle in week one and a future All-Pro.

The team wasn’t done adding tackles, as they traded up to select Austin Barber in round three. Barber has experience at both tackle spots and gives the Browns depth that they didn’t have last season. Whether Barber starts or sits in 2026, the selection gives Cleveland a contingency plan for the foreseeable future. Throughout his career with the Florida Gators, Barber competed against the top SEC talent and held his own. He plays with strong hands and quick feet, but will have to improve against powerful rushers off the edge. He is, nonetheless, a great value pick for the Browns late in round three.

The last offensive lineman Cleveland selected was Parker Brailsford. The undersized center was monumental for the Alabama Crimson Tide’s success the past couple of seasons. Whether Brailsford is the starting center in week one will depend on how his size translates to the NFL. Fundamentally, his game is sound and shows quickness out in space. In round five, it made too much sense for the Browns to pass up on a center prospect like Brailsford.

Coming out of the draft with three starting-caliber offensive linemen is a massive success. Fano will headline the group as he looks to be the next Joe Thomas out at left tackle. Barber will have a role on this team and needs to be ready to go, given any injury. Lastly, Brailsford could win the starting center spot and be a steal of a pick looking back.

Revamping The Receiver Room

Another top priority this offseason was getting playmakers in the receiver room. With their second round one selection, the Browns selected KC Concepcion. Watching him play, one immediately notices the speed and burst he plays with.

Concepcion was an elite separator at Texas A&M, which helped him become one of the best receivers versus man coverage in the country. Cleveland will have numerous ways of getting him on the field. Whether it’s on the outside, in the slot, or even as a kick and punt returner. The drops are something Concepcion will have to work on, but in terms of an electric playmaker, the Browns landed one.

Looking towards round two, there were many directions Cleveland could’ve gone. Denzel Boston falling to pick number 39 was not one of them. Whether it made sense or not, Boston is too hard a player to pass on. The 6’3 wideout is a massive weapon on the outside and in the red zone, two areas the Browns struggled mightily in 2025. Many experts and scouts thought Boston was a lock to go on Day One, but he fell right into Cleveland’s lap on Day Two.

The pairing of Concepcion and Boston is the perfect mix of size and speed. With Concepcion, Cleveland gets the elite burst and separation to win down the field. With Boston, the Browns are getting a true X receiver to win on the boundary and in the red zone. This is a great start for what Cleveland and Todd Monken want to do in the passing game next season.

Defensive Depth At Key Positions

One of the best value picks in the entire draft was Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at the 58th selection. The 6’3 rangy safety was thought to be one of the best safeties in the class and most likely a Day 1 pick. The Browns land him late in round two and shouldn’t look back.

McNeil-Warren should have a pretty significant role in 2026, being that third safety who can play deep in coverage as well as come into the box and tackle. Coming out of Toledo, many questioned the talent he played against, and his tape proves those people wrong. He anticipates well and makes plays all over the field. Currently, Cleveland has a solid safety tandem of Ronnie Hickman and Grant Delpit, but both are free agents next season. McNeil-Warren is the future at safety.

In round five, the Browns selected Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson. He is an overall solid backer who is slightly undersized, but makes up for it with his quickness. He is an instinctual player who can cover, blitz, and spy quarterbacks, giving Cleveland many different options on where he plays. Early on, he looks to make his impact on special teams, but keep an eye on Jefferson being one of the draft.

Improving The Tight End Room

The tight end room was another skill group that needed talent. The Browns ended up taking two tight ends. Their first selection was Joe Royer, who does it all, including being a reliable option in the passing game. Behind Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland doesn’t have many tight ends who can make an impact as pass catchers. Royer had an outstanding couple of seasons at Cincinnati and will be right behind Fannin as the Browns’ number two tight end option.

The other tight end they selected is quite the opposite. Carsen Ryan projects to be a blocking tight end with limited abilities as a receiving threat. He is an effective blocker versus linebackers and defensive backs and could be huge in the run game. The hands aren’t terrible, but catching the football has been an issue in the past for Ryan.

Overall, a decent haul of tight ends will give Monken plenty of options next season.

Another Quarterback Drafted

The biggest surprise in Cleveland was once again the team drafting a quarterback. Taylen Green is a much different QB than the other guys in the room. He is a phenomenal athlete with unbelievable size. The dual-threat quarterback had an up-and-down college career, but solidified himself as the most intriguing project in the draft. Issues with accuracy and decision-making held Green’s career back. Turnovers and putting the ball in harm’s way were also a problem. Nonetheless, Green looks to be a fun project for Monken to try and develop.

The Browns’ quarterback room is once again confusing, asking the question of who is the starter and what the future looks like. After the Green selection, it’s evident Dillon Gabriel is the odd man out. Whether they do anything with Gabriel is a story for another day. Green was a shocking selection in round six, but gives the Browns an incredible project to work.

End Of My Cleveland Browns Draft Rant

Once again, it feels like Cleveland has won the NFL Draft, but for it to really be a success, they have to translate good drafting into wins. Berry has been on the hot seat for years, but now it comes down to coaches getting the talent out of these players. These past two drafts have put the Browns in the conversation of one of the most promising young teams in football. Whether they capitalize on it or not will be the question.