It's finally here. After months of scouting combine debates, pro day buzz, and endless mock draft simulations, the 2026 NFL Draft officially kicks off tonight from Green Bay. For the Cleveland Browns, this draft represents an opportunity to reload around a roster that remains in win-now mode--even as some key veterans age and cap constraints continue to force tough decisions.
General manager Andrew Berry has built a reputation for being unpredictable on draft night. He trades up, trades back, and rarely lets the mock draft industry pin him down. But with the Browns holding picks in every round (including a compensatory seventh-round pick), this year's haul could define the middle of Cleveland's championship window.
Let's break down everything you need to know: the team's biggest needs, the final 7-round mock from the Akron Beacon Journal, and what to watch for as the clock starts ticking tonight.
Browns Draft Capital at a Glance
Cleveland enters the 2026 draft with a solid collection of selections, though they lack a true blue-chip premium pick near the top of the first round. Here's where they currently stand:
- Round 1: Pick No. 25 overall
- Round 2: Pick No. 56 overall (projected)
- Round 3: Pick No. 88 overall (projected)
- Round 4: Pick No. 120 overall (projected)
- Round 5: Pick No. 152 overall (projected)
- Round 6: Pick No. 184 overall (projected)
- Round 7: Pick No. 216 overall (projected)
The Browns also hold an additional seventh-round compensatory selection at No. 239, giving them eight total picks to work with. That's plenty of ammo for Berry to move up the board if a target starts falling--or to trade back and accumulate more mid-round capital.
Biggest Needs Entering Draft Night
Before we get to the mock picks, it's worth understanding where this roster is strongest and where reinforcements are needed most.
Wide Receiver: The Browns have a legitimate WR1 in Jerry Jeudy, but the depth chart behind him is thin. With the team moving on from some veteran contracts and younger players yet to prove they can stay healthy, adding a pass-catcher early feels like a near-certainty.
Offensive Line: Cleveland's offensive line has been a strength for years, but attrition is starting to show. The tackle position looks stable in the short term, but interior depth--especially at guard and center--could use a youth infusion. Berry has always prioritized trench players, so don't be surprised if the first pick is a big man.
Defensive Back: The secondary has been a strength under this coaching staff, but the Browns could use a long-term answer at cornerback opposite Denzel Ward. Adding a versatile safety who can play deep or in the box would also provide insurance.
Defensive Line Depth: While Myles Garrett remains one of the league's most disruptive pass rushers, the supporting cast along the defensive front needs rotational pieces. A disruptive interior tackle who can push the pocket or an edge rusher to develop behind the starters would be smart mid-round targets.
Final 7-Round Mock Draft from the Akron Beacon Journal
Now for the main event. The Akron Beacon Journal published its final, complete mock draft for the Browns on Thursday morning--and it's a fascinating projection that checks multiple boxes.
Round 1, Pick 25 -- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The hometown pick makes a lot of sense here. Egbuka is a polished route runner with experience in a pro-style system, and he has the speed to take the top off a defense. He won't be the biggest receiver on the field, but he's tough, reliable, and would give the Browns a natural complement to Jeudy on the outside. The Ohio State connection also means he's ready to handle the spotlight in Cleveland.
Round 2, Pick 56 -- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
This is the kind of pick that excites a front office. Graham is a powerful, disruptive interior defensive lineman who can hold the point of attack and push the pocket. He's not flashy, but he's exactly what you want in a 3-tech who can free up Garrett and the edge rushers. Pairing him with the team's existing defensive tackles creates a formidable interior rotation.
Round 3, Pick 88 -- Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
Fisher is a developmental tackle with starting upside. He has the size and length that NFL teams covet but will need refinement in pass protection. Sitting behind Cleveland's veteran tackles for a year would do him wonders. This is a forward-thinking move that keeps the offensive line pipeline stocked.
Round 4, Pick 120 -- Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Wright offers home-run speed out of the backfield. He's not a workhorse back, but in a committee approach, he can be the change-of-pace threat who turns a short gain into a 60-yard touchdown. The Browns have been looking for that element in their backfield, and Wright provides it in spades.
Round 5, Pick 152 -- Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
Oladapo is a physical, downhill safety who excels in run support and has enough range to play single-high in a pinch. He's the kind of chess piece that defensive coordinators love--able to play in the box, cover tight ends, and contribute on special teams immediately.
Round 6, Pick 184 -- Jordan McCloud, QB, James Madison
With the veteran backup situation in flux, taking a flier on a productive FCS quarterback with good mobility and a live arm makes sense. McCloud has started a ton of games and produces at a high level. He's a candidate for the practice squad who could develop into a capable backup down the road.
Round 7, Pick 216 -- Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa
Double-dipping on the defensive line in this mock is a smart strategy. Boyd is a run-stuffing nose tackle type who can occupy blockers and eat up space. Late-round picks are about finding role players and special teams contributors, and Boyd fits that bill.
Round 7, Pick 239 (Compensatory) -- Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech
Davis is a blocking tight end who can serve as a third tight end and core special teamer. The Browns have their pass-catching options at the position, but adding a player who can help in the run game and on coverage units is a savvy final pick.
What to Watch For Tonight
The mock draft above is a projection, not a prediction. Berry has a tendency to zig when everyone expects him to zag. Here are a few storylines to monitor as the draft unfolds:
Potential trade scenarios. The Browns are picking at No. 25, which is right in that sweet spot where teams look to move up for a falling quarterback or skill player. If a top-tier wide receiver or offensive tackle starts sliding, Cleveland could be a candidate to trade up. Conversely, if the board falls flat, Berry could trade back, pick up an extra Day 2 pick, and still land a quality player in the late 20s or early 30s.
Will they prioritize offense or defense early? This roster still has veteran star power on defense, but the offense is where the biggest question marks lie. Expect the first two picks to be heavily tilted toward adding weapons for the quarterback and protecting him. That said, Berry believes in building through the trenches, so don't rule out a defensive lineman in the first round if the value is right.
BPA vs. need. Every GM says they stick to their board, but the Browns have specific needs that are hard to ignore. The best available player at No. 25 might be a linebacker or a cornerback, two positions where Cleveland already has starters. How Berry balances value versus roster construction will define this draft class.
The Bigger Picture
The 2026 draft isn't about finding a franchise savior--the Browns already have their core in place. This is about building depth, finding starters on rookie deals, and extending the window of contention. A successful draft for Cleveland means hitting on at least two immediate contributors in the first three rounds and finding a couple of developmental pieces who can step into larger roles in 2027 and beyond.
With the first round set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET tonight, all eyes will be on the Browns' war room. Berry and his staff have done the work. Now it's time to see it all come together.
Stick with us throughout the weekend for instant analysis, grades, and breakdowns of every Cleveland Browns selection. This is going to be fun.
