Browns Predicted To Get Aggressive for Explosive WR To Pair With Shedeur Sanders

Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Browns Predicted To Get Aggressive for Explosive WR To Pair With Shedeur Sanders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zahid Rashid | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 11:56 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns have yet to name a starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with an expected offseason battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. However, their quarterback situation will hold limited value unless the team improves the supporting cast around it.

Cleveland finished a disappointing 5–12 last season. While the defense remained one of the league’s best, the offense struggled badly, ranking 31st in passing yards per game (165.1). A rotating group of three starting quarterbacks contributed to those issues, but a weak offensive line and an underwhelming receiving corps only made matters worse.

Veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fanin Jr. are currently the only reliable pass catchers on the roster. As a result, the Browns are widely expected to target a playmaker in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) passes against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium.Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

However, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter believes the offensive line is the more pressing need. In his projection, Cleveland uses its first pick on a lineman before trading up with the Dallas Cowboys from No. 24 to No. 20 to select Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson.

“The Browns swap picks in the third and fifth rounds with Dallas to move up from No. 24 so they can grab Tyson. Cleveland needs a big-time playmaker to take the pressure off Jerry Jeudy and give whoever ends up at quarterback another dynamic target,” Reuter wrote.

Tyson comes with some injury concerns, having suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL in 2022, a broken collarbone in 2024, and a hamstring issue in 2025. However, he has still managed to build a strong case as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class, showcasing both toughness and high-level production. He also eased durability concerns with an impressive pre-draft workout, which the Browns attended.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Tyson is a polished route runner with smooth movement skills. His combination of size, separation ability, and yards-after-catch potential gives him the tools to develop into a true WR1 at the next level, exactly what Cleveland needs.

Over his four-year collegiate career, Tyson recorded 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns, along with a rushing score, while averaging more than 14 yards per catch. He is also a willing downfield blocker and earned an 89.0 PFF grade against man coverage last season, further highlighting his all-around impact.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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