2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns pick TE Carsen Ryan at No. 248

A surprising NFL combine snub, Ryan stands out in both phases as a receiver and blocker. He is an urgent, controlled route runner who feasts underneath against zone coverage, with reliable hands and some creativity after the catch. He is limited by some body stiffness and needs to do a better job with body position to win a crowd. As a blocker, he is both quick and physical with his inline duties to reach, cut off or get outside defenders.

Ryan is more coordinated than explosive and offers an appealing mix of pass-catching talent and blocking toughness. Regardless of where he is drafted, he has the type of talent that sticks on a roster and becomes valuable for an NFL offense.

How Ryan fits the Cleveland Browns

Ryan bounced around during his college days, beginning as a running back at UCLA (2022 and 2023), before transitioning to tight end at Utah (2024) and finishing up at BYU. Unsurprisingly, he saw his numbers go up, and he became more accustomed to the position, and had a tidy 45 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns in his final season with the Cougars.

He apparently can catch and block, always a nice combination in a tight end, and he should have an opportunity to show what he can do this summer as the Browns are not exactly flush at the position after starter Harold Fannin Jr.

React to the Ryan pick

What do you think, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments sections below.