Andrew Berry Delivers Exactly What Browns' Need on Draft Weekend

(© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Ima)

The offseason blueprint was simple for the Cleveland Browns.

Boasting one of the worst offenses in the entire NFL in 2025, Cleveland had a blatant lack of talent at the wide receiver position and an offensive line that had reached its expiration date.

An unresolved quarterback situation didn't help the cause, but with so many problems around the QB, it was hard to really get a read on what the Browns have there. And with a weaker class of signal callers entering the NFL, there weren't exactly any obvious upgrades waiting in the wings.

Understanding that, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Andrew Berry dove headfirst into an offensive overhaul. It started in free agency back in March, with Berry rebuilding the offensive line by adding T Tytus Howard via a trade, then signing C/G Elgton Jenkins and G Zion Johnson.

One spot was notably left vacant at left tackle. So too was the wide receiver position. It paved the way for Berry to address those noticeable holes during the NFL Draft. There was no doubt he would; it was just a matter of when, and as it turned out, he checked those boxes right away.

During Thursday night's first round, Berry predictably completed the o-line overhaul first, trading back from pick No. 6 to No. 9 to select Utah tackle Spencer Fano. Then, with the extra first-rounder they acquired in last year's draft night trade with the Jaguars, Berry took electric Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion.

He wasn't done. In the second round at pick 39 overall, the Browns took Washington wideout Denzel Boston, a 50-50 ball savant, doubling down on their biggest need of all.

Three picks, three players who all had first-round grades at some point during the pre-draft process. Then came a fourth, as Berry traded up from pick 70 in the third round, to pick 58 in the second to draft hybrid safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Those four picks will be instant contributors next season and will ultimately define the 2026 draft class. Not that the other six members can't make some noise.

Berry used the rest of the picks he made to add depth in a number of areas, OT Austin Barber was the pick in the third round 86th overall. Alabama teammates, C Parker Brailsford and LB were selected three picks apart in the fifth round at 146 and 149.