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Cleveland Browns: Luke Easterling’s Mock Draft Changes the Offense
Main Photo: [Joe Nicholson] Imagn Images

Luke Easterling’s updated 2026 NFL mock draft gives the Cleveland Browns a path that could stabilize their offensive line and give a young quarterback a better chance to develop. Easterling has the Browns executing a trade that nets them three first-round picks. The result? A new poured-concrete foundation up front and a weapon on the outside that the quarterback can trust.

It’s the kind of mock draft that Cleveland fans can point to as a blueprint for Day 1 of the draft.

Cleveland Browns: Luke Easterling’s Mock Draft Changes the Offense

The Trade

Cowboys get: No. 6 overall, No. 39 overall

Browns get: No. 12 overall, No. 20 overall, No. 152 overall

It’s a good get for the Browns. Moving down to No. 12 overall still puts them in position to land one of the few blue-chip players in this class. Cleveland moves down but adds an additional first-round pick, guaranteeing a chance at a fifth-year option on the rookie deal. For the Cowboys, they get to solve a problem on defense with one of the best players available, Sonny Styles. It’s an aggressive move by Jerry Jones that lands him a coveted player, while Andrew Berry gets a chance to move down and acquire more assets.

This is the very definition of a win-win.

Spencer Fano, OT – Utah

The Cleveland Browns use the No. 12 to snag a bookend for the offensive line, Spencer Fano. At 6’6″ and 311 pounds, Fano has the blend of size and elite athleticism to become a permanent fixture on the offensive line. Fano performed extremely well at the combine and likely turned enough heads to move the needle up on his draft stock. There’s a strong possibility that more than one team views him as a top-16 talent, making his selection at No. 12 a solid value.

There are some concerns attached to Spence, including his arm length. Some analysts project a move to the inside, but his lack of length hasn’t been a hindrance thus far. Even if a move to the interior proves inevitable, Fano is a rock-solid OL prospect who projects as a long-term starter in the NFL.

Caleb Lomu, OT – Utah

Cleveland goes right back to addressing the future of the offensive line with the No. 20 overall and selects Caleb Lomu. Weighing in at 313 pounds and standing 6’6″ tall, Lomu may be the best bet to become a cornerstone at left tackle in this draft. Caleb is still adding weight to his frame, but he has all the necessary movement skills needed to succeed on the blind side.

Considering the situation with OT Dawand Jones, Cleveland will be weighing its options at left tackle. There’s a possibility that newly signed OT Tytus Howard fills that spot, but creating competition would be wise.

Denzel Boston, WR – Washington

After addressing the offensive line in back-to-back picks, Andrew Berry makes the move to get a weapon. At No. 24 overall, Cleveland selects Denzel Boston out of Washington. Standing 6’4″ and weighing in at 212 pounds, Boston possesses the ability to win routes by creating separation and reeling in passes that may not be on the mark. This is a player who understands the route, knows where to be on the break, and gives his passer a large target to work with. In essence, this is the kind of hands you want to have when you’re coaching up a young signal-caller.

Some are concerned with an apparent lack of straight-line speed, but Boston wins with separation and the ability to shield off defenders. He has pro-ready body control with an exceptional wingspan and solid mitts. Denzel will be a gamer from Week 1.

The Last Word

The offensive impact of this mock would be both immediate and long-term. The Cleveland Browns’ line was an Achilles’ heel for the offense last season, forcing quick throws because of constant pressure. Adding Fano and Lomu in the first round would bring size, athleticism, and a chance for cohesion that is currently lacking. Pass protection improves immediately, opening the door for play-action, more shots downfield, and a better-balanced attack. It’s the kind of foundational upgrade that turns a struggling offense into one capable of sustaining drives by winning the trench war.

Some might not like the trade back with Ohio favorite Carnell Tate available. But Easterling’s mock draft scenario prioritizes long-term roster building. It’s the kind of thinking that creates the potential to groom a quarterback through stability. By adding Fano, Lomu, and Boston, the Browns can reshape the offense quickly and set themselves up for continued success.

Luke’s mock represents a realistic look at a trade scenario and solid drafting that could change the course of the Browns’ offense for a decade.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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