With the first wave of free agency in the rearview, the Cleveland Browns and GM Andrew Berry are setting their sights on the 2026 NFL Draft. After a period of building momentum, the front office is in an enviable position with ten total picks to work with this offseason. The mission is clear: revitalize the offense. But could a bold move on draft night be the key to maximizing their capital?
Let's dive into a full seven-round mock draft scenario that features a headline-grabbing trade on night one. In this projection, the Browns execute a strategic move down the board, sending the No. 6 overall pick, No. 146, and a 2027 fifth-rounder to Tampa Bay in exchange for picks No. 15 and No. 46, plus a 2027 third-round selection.
While rumors have linked Cleveland to a top offensive tackle prospect, trading back offers immense value. With the newly acquired 15th pick, the Browns secure their future blindside protector in Caleb Lomu. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds, Lomu brings a stout frame and polished pass-blocking skills to the table, offering a plug-and-play solution with room to grow into a cornerstone left tackle.
The trade also nets the Browns the 46th overall pick, where they address a critical need in the secondary. Selecting Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren here would be a masterstroke. A versatile and complete defender, McNeil-Warren is a proven difference-maker, boasting a stellar 92.1 PFF defensive grade in 2025. He would instantly elevate a unit looking for stability alongside Ronnie Hickman Jr. and Grant Delpit.
Of course, the offensive overhaul continues. With their original second-round pick, Cleveland targets a dynamic weapon for new head coach Todd Monken's system. Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell, despite coming off an ACL injury, presents tremendous upside. At 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, his exceptional ability to generate yards after the catch makes him a perfect fit to stretch defenses and create explosive plays.
Thanks to the trade-down, Berry isn't finished bolstering the receiver room. With the second selection in the second round (pick No. 46 from Tampa), the Browns double-dip, adding Alabama's Germie Bernard. This one-two punch at wideout would provide a significant boost to the passing attack, giving the quarterback a new set of reliable, playmaking targets for the 2026 campaign and beyond.