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Browns’ 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: What Cleveland should be looking at a few weeks from the big event

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 11:56 AM ET

April begins this week, and the 2026 NFL Draft is closing in. The Cleveland Browns are scheduled to make nine selections at the end of April with two first-round picks standing out.

Following free agency, the Browns' two biggest needs stand out: left tackle and wide receiver. Cleveland will have a chance to add at both positions with the No. 6 and No. 24 overall selections.

With it being Monday, of course we’re going to take a look at a new mock draft. Today I’m looking at what I would do through the first three rounds.

Round 1, Pick 6:Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Browns badly need an influx of talent on offense to improve their ability to put points on the board. Cleveland could use a 6-foot-3 wideout like Tate who offers superb route running ability, makes contested catches look routine, and doesn’t have to rely on speed to win downfield. Tate is next up from the Ohio State wide receiver factory and Cleveland badly needs a wideout with a true WR1 markup. Tate has the potential to be just that guy in the NFL.

Ohio State WR Carnell Tate GLIDING on his Pro Day ‍ @carnelltate pic.twitter.com/j30OcnM95J
— Overtime (@overtime) March 25, 2026

No reason to overthink this one. Don’t reach for a tackle who might pan out.

Round 1, Pick 24: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

In a perfect world, the Browns are able to land their future at the left tackle position with their second first-round pick and I wouldn’t rule out a trade up here. If the Browns think a play won’t last and they want him, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be trading up. Lomu was rock solid at Utah and is a natural left tackle. While he needs to get stronger and there could be some ground pains, he has all the tools to be a successful left tackle in the NFL, which is tough to find long term.

Round 2, Pick 39: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Whether or not the Browns trade Myles Garrett, they still need to invest in a pass rusher in the first few rounds preferably. Thomas would be a good fit as a highly productive SEC EDGE who is strong off the edge with the ability to be a run sealer. Alex Wright was extended by the Browns but Isaiah McGuire will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Thomas can be a key part of the future of this room.

Round 3, Pick 70: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

We're doubling up on Ohio State playmakers because it fits what the Browns need. Klare is a really good receiving tight end who runs more like a wide receiver than a tight end. Klare already looked like an NFL tight end at Purdue but transferred to Ohio State to round out his game and become a more complete player. The Browns could use another tight end to pair with Harold Fannin Jr. and Klare is a fit due to his ability to play in-line or wide.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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