Browns Mock Draft: Cleveland’s Best Path Forward

About a month ago, it looked like the Browns would need to target a franchise quarterback with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That may still be true, but after Shedeur Sanders threw for 364 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns last Sunday, Cleveland could choose to build around him for 2026.

If the Browns want a fair evaluation of Sanders, they need to upgrade his supporting cast, both in terms of weapons and protection. If they view him as their long-term starter in 2026, this pick comes down to an offensive tackle or a wide receiver.

I chose the flashier route with a wide receiver. Jordyn Tyson from the Arizona State Sun Devils has the size and athletic traits to develop into a true X receiver in the NFL. As recent stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ja’Marr Chase have shown, elite receivers need the versatility to play both outside and in the slot.

Tyson offers that versatility. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he pairs strong hands with impressive yards-after-catch ability. He can move the chains, stretch the field, and has the potential to step in immediately as Sanders’ top target and a focal point of the Cleveland offense.

Tyson’s injury history is a real concern, but his overall profile points to the upside of a high-level NFL playmaker. He is a risk worth taking, as his ceiling gives him a legitimate chance to develop into a top-10 receiver in the league.

27. OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Following taking a wide receiver with their first first-round selection, the Browns need to target the best offensive tackle available with their second first-round pick.

In this scenario, Caleb Lomu from the Utah Utes fits that role. At 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Lomu has the size and athleticism to be a day-one starter in the NFL. He shows strong body control, moves fluidly in the run game, and uses his hands well in pass protection.

Lomu could step in immediately at left tackle for Cleveland, protecting Sanders’ blindside. He would also be a strong run-game fit for backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson.

36. WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Even though the Browns added a receiver earlier in this mock draft, they could still use another early in the process. Jerry Jeudy has been disappointing in 2025, and Cedric Tillman’s injury history remains a concern. That makes twitchy Texas A&M Aggies’ wideout KC Concepcion a home-run pick in the early second round.

Concepcion is a smooth route-runner with an excellent release, strong hands, and the ability to win at the catch point despite being smaller. His skill set projects well to becoming a reliable chain-mover in the NFL.

At 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, Concepcion offsets his smaller frame with burst, quick separation, and impressive yards-after-catch production. His versatility is another major asset, as he is the only player in Texas A&M history to record receiving, rushing, and punt return touchdowns in the same season.

68. OT Isaiah World, Oregon

Sticking with the theme of bolstering the offense, the Browns need to continue adding to their offensive line. Selecting Oregon Ducks’ offensive tackle Isaiah World in the early third round would be a logical move.

World has been a key starter on Oregon’s powerful 2025 offensive line. At 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, he brings an explosive first step for his size along with strong, dependable hands in both phases of blocking.

World also offers valuable experience, having started three seasons for the Nevada Wolf Pack before transferring to Oregon for this year. Given Cleveland’s thin offensive line depth, he could compete for a starting job immediately, though the Browns could also choose to develop him behind a short-term veteran signing.

End Of My Cleveland Browns Mock Draft Rant

Over the final weeks of the NFL season, the draft order will continue to shift, and prospects will rise or fall as the combine and medical evaluations draw closer.

For Cleveland, a revamped offense combined with Sanders’ continued development could set the stage for future success. If the Browns’ defense maintains its current level of play and the offense improves, the team could return to relevance.