Browns' 2026 NFL Draft class lauded by expert Dane Brugler

Dane Brugler of The Athletic knows a thing or two about the NFL Draft and the top prospects who come out every year. 

That's why it's notable that Brugler is extremely high on what the Cleveland Browns were able to do in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Browns had a big class, of course. They had two picks in the first round, two in the second and three picks in the fifth.

General manager Andrew Berry came into this draft knowing that he had the opportunity to add volume. He also had the chance to draft top-end talent.

Sitting at No. 6 before the draft, Berry traded back with the Kansas City Chiefs. Cleveland moved back just a few spots to No. 9 overall and also got pick No. 74 in the third round and pick No. 148 in the fifth round for the Chiefs.

With pick No. 9, the Browns picked Utah Utes offensive tackle Spencer Fano, who checks in at an imposing 6-foot-6, 302 pounds.

That pick was a major reason why Brugler was high on what the Browns were able to do, but he also loved the selection of safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at pick No. 58.

"The Browns found outstanding value with each pick while also attacking key needs," Brugler wrote in a piece that gave the Browns his No. 1 class of the draft. "Landing Emmanuel McNeil-Warren outside the top 50 was tremendous value, and both wide receivers will have opportunities. But I’ll go back to their first pick (acquired in a trade back that also netted Cleveland an extra Day 2 pick). Fano has rare movement ability for his size, top-tier football IQ and competitive toughness, plus he can play multiple spots on the line."

Cleveland seemingly Browns crushed 2026 NFL Draft 

Fano is the star of this class, but Brugler also mentioned wideouts. With pick No. 24, the Browns selected Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion, who notched 919 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Aggies. He was one of the best big-play threats in the draft. 

With pick No. 39, the Browns selected Washington Huskies wideout Denzel Boston. He's an imposing 6-foot-4, 209-pound wide receiver who caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last season for Washington.

If the Browns can figure out their quarterback situation, and that's a big "if," you can absolutely see a plan coming together for the offense.

The Browns have a plan? No wonder Brugler was so high on their draft.