The Cleveland Browns absolutely killed it on days 1 and 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and despite there being less excitement in rounds four through seven, they still added some potential studs on day 3.
Though the “value” wasn’t as pronounced as their selections on Thursday and Friday, they still added quite a few players who could contribute immediately for Todd Monken and Co. in 2026, beginning with their first selection of the day.
It’s no secret that Cleveland was in the market for a center heading into Saturday, and they found one who could end up having more of a chance to start as a rookie than the public thinks. Alabama C Parker Brailsford is an incredibly special player who’s been one of the best centers in college football over the past 3 seasons despite being “only” 6’1.5”, 290 lbs.
Mostly negative takeaways for Alabama, but Parker Brailsford had an outstanding performance vs. FSU pic.twitter.com/rfyL0gH1Cx
His above-average flexibility and movement skills have allowed him to make up for most of his shortcomings when it comes to size, and there’s a very good chance that he’ll be able to continue his success at the next level for the Browns. He’ll provide legitimate competition at center throughout training camp in Berea, and fans shouldn’t be surprised if he ends up fighting his way to the top of the depth chart heading into week 1 of the 2026 season. This obviously depends on the team’s plans for Elgton Jenkins, but it sounds like they want him to play guard in Cleveland.
With their second 5th-round pick, they chose to address defense and added Alabama LB Justin Jefferson. He’s on the smaller side (6’0.5”, 223 lbs.), but his speed and coverage ability jump off the tape. He’ll most likely be a rotational WILL and special-teamer for Cleveland, but finding linebacker depth with his type of athleticism is a huge win for the Browns.
They were able to finish out the 5th round by adding Cincinnati TE Joe Royer, who’s been very impressive for the Bearcats since he joined as a transfer from Ohio State in 2024. He has excellent size (6’5”, 247 lbs.), enormous hands (almost 11”), and displayed the ability to be a consistent target in the passing game and blocker in the run game, which should allow him to be a legitimate TE2 option for Todd Monken as a rookie.
On a mission 🚀Joe Royer NFL Draft Tape 🎞️#Big12FB | @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/l11hzFMva2
Moving into the sixth round, Andrew Berry and Co. decided to take a flier on one of the most athletic quarterbacks to come out of college football in a long time, Arkansas’ Taylen Green. His 9.99 RAS score could initially result in him being a fun wildcat-type quarterback in Cleveland, and the Browns’ new QB coach, Mike Bajakian, is undoubtedly excited to work with him.
With their final selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns selected one of, if not the best, blocking tight end in the entire draft. BYU’s Carsen Ryan is a classic “iron man” tight end who could end up sticking in Cleveland as a long-term depth option on offense and core special-teamer.
What are your thoughts on Cleveland’s day three selections? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.