As the countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft continues (just 23 days away!), we at EssentiallySports are bringing you one mock draft per day until we cover all 32 NFL teams. We have already covered the first five picks in the draft, and now it’s time to move on to the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have had their fair share of struggles over the years, but they are a team on the rise. With a talented roster and a promising young quarterback in Baker Mayfield, the Browns are looking to make a splash in the upcoming draft. So let’s take a look at who they might be targeting with their picks.
First Round (No. 26 overall): Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Clemson
The Browns’ biggest need heading into the draft is at wide receiver, and they address that need by selecting Carnell Tate out of Clemson with their first-round pick. Tate is a big, physical receiver with excellent hands and route-running skills. He has the potential to be a true number one receiver in the NFL and would be a perfect complement to Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry in the Browns’ offense.
Second Round (No. 59 overall): Carson Strong, Quarterback, Nevada
The Browns are set at quarterback with Baker Mayfield, but they are always looking to add depth and competition at the position. With their second-round pick, they select Carson Strong out of Nevada. Strong is a big, strong-armed quarterback with excellent accuracy and decision-making skills. He has the potential to develop into a franchise quarterback and would provide insurance for the Browns in case of any injuries to Mayfield.
Third Round (No. 89 overall): Zion Johnson, Offensive Guard, Boston College
The Browns’ offensive line is one of the best in the league, but they could use some depth at the guard position. Zion Johnson out of Boston College would be a perfect fit for the Browns’ zone-blocking scheme. He is a powerful run blocker and has the athleticism to excel in pass protection. Johnson would provide valuable depth and could eventually develop into a starter for the Browns.
Fourth Round (No. 123 overall): Cameron McGrone, Linebacker, Michigan
The Browns’ defense is already one of the best in the league, but they could use some help at the linebacker position. Cameron McGrone out of Michigan is a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside. He is a sure tackler and has the speed and athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage. McGrone would provide depth and could eventually compete for a starting role on the Browns’ defense.
Fifth Round (No. 159 overall): Jalen Camp, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech
The Browns continue to add depth at the wide receiver position by selecting Jalen Camp out of Georgia Tech in the fifth round. Camp is a big, physical receiver with excellent speed and hands. He has the potential to develop into a reliable target for Mayfield and could contribute on special teams as well.
Sixth Round (No. 194 overall): Tarron Jackson, Edge Rusher, Coastal Carolina
The Browns’ pass rush is already one of the best in the league, but they could use some depth at the edge rusher position. Tarron Jackson out of Coastal Carolina is a relentless pass rusher with a non-stop motor. He has the strength and technique to get to the quarterback and would provide valuable depth for the Browns’ defense.
Seventh Round (No. 234 overall): Tre Norwood, Cornerback, Oklahoma
The Browns add depth to their secondary by selecting Tre Norwood out of Oklahoma in the seventh round. Norwood is a versatile defensive back who can play both cornerback and safety. He has good instincts and ball skills and could contribute on special teams as well.
In conclusion, the Browns address their biggest needs in this mock draft by adding a potential franchise quarterback, a number one receiver, and depth at key positions. With these additions, the Browns are poised to take the next step and become a true contender in the NFL. The future is bright in Cleveland, and the 2026 NFL Draft could be the key to their success.
