NFL Draft 2026 Review: Cleveland Browns

Fans of the Cleveland Browns watched their team end up in last place again with a 5-12 record last season. Seeing the Browns waste a 23 sack season from DE Myles Garrett is egregious.

That explains why Kevin Stefanski was fired and why Todd Monken was named the new head coach. Stefanski virtually did nothing to prepare rookie QB's Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders after injuries forced them onto the field.

Sanders did bring some excitement by going 3-4 in Cleveland's last seven games. Rookie RB Quinshon Judkins led the Browns in rushing with 827 yards. Along with the Browns defense, Monken has some things to work with in order to bring improvement to the team this season. Plus, Cleveland had 10 picks in this year's NFL Draft.

Round 1, Pick 9: Spencer Fano - OT - Utah. 6'5", 311 lbs.

Fano will start right away at one of the tackle positions on the offensive line after starting at either left tackle or at right tackle over the past three seasons for the Utes. This offensive line needs help because the Browns gave up 51 sacks to opposing defenses last season.

Round 1, Pick 24: KC Concepcion - WR - Texas A&M. 5'11", 196 lbs (61 rec, 919 rec yds, 15.1 yds/rec, 9 rec TD, 1 rushing TD, 18.2 yds/punt return, 2 punt return TD).

Concepcion should start right away in the slot because only 1 Browns WR had over 400 receiving yards last season. He can also be used on gadget plays like bubble screens and on end runs. Concepcion will add even more value as a punt returner after returning two punts for touchdowns last year for the Aggies.

Round 2, Pick 7: Denzel Boston - WR - Washington. 6'3", 212 lbs (62 rec, 881 rec yds, 14.2 yds/rec, 11 TD, 13 yds/punt return, 1 punt return TD).

Boston will compete for time at one of the outside WR spots this season along with seeing time when the offense is in the red zone because of his height advantage over cornerbacks. Boston could also help out with punt returns as well if the Browns decide to rotate returners during a game along with Concepcion.

Round 2, Pick 26: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S - Toledo. 6'3", 201 lbs (77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2 INT, 1 INT return TD, 5 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries).

McNeil-Warren should see some time at strong safety due to his ability to cover taller receivers and TE's along with his knack for causing havoc in the secondary with pass deflections and by causing fumbles.

Round 3, Pick 22: Austin Barber - OT - Florida. 6'7", 318 lbs.

Barber also started at both offensive tackle positions throughout his career with the Gators. He could also possibly start at left tackle or at right tackle this season.

Round 5, Pick 6: Parker Brailsford - C - Alabama. 6'2", 289 lbs.

Brailsford will compete to be the starting center this season. If he does not start, then he will add depth to the Browns offensive line.

Round 5, Pick 9: Justin Jefferson - LB - Alabama. 6'0", 223 lbs (85 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble).

Jefferson could see some time as a nickel linebacker on passing downs due to his ability to blitz up the middle along with solid pass coverage.

Round 5, Pick 30: Joe Royer - TE - Cincinnati. 6'5", 247 lbs (29 rec, 416 yds, 14.3 yds/rec, 4 TD).

Royer will compete to secure a backup TE position. He could be used in the red zone due to his height.

Round 6, Pick 1: Taylen Green - QB - Arkansas. 6'6", 227 lbs (2,714 pass yds, 60.7 completion %, 19 TD, 11 INT, 777 rush yds, 5.6 yds/rush, 8 rush TD).

Green will be given time to develop at QB. The most intriguing thing about Green was his rushing because he ran the fastest 40 time for a quarterback at the NFL Combine with a time of 4.36 seconds. If the QB development does not go well, then he could possibly be converted to a wide receiver.

Round 7, Pick 32: Carsen Ryan - TE - BYU. 6'4", 250 lbs (45 rec, 620 yds, 13.8 yds/rec, 3 TD).

Ryan could possible see time on passing downs.

Overview: The Browns addressed their two biggest issues on the offense: their offensive line and their receiving corps. Cleveland potentially could have four new starters on offense with Fano, Concepcion, Barber, and Boston. Grade: B+.

Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this post reflect the viewpoints of the representatives of Vocal Media.