Browns 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with the Cleveland Browns focusing on addressing their need for a wide receiver. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are competing for the starting quarterback position.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 in Pittsburgh
Cleveland Browns need a wide receiver
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders competing for QB1

Mentioned in this story

Deshaun WatsonShedeur SandersJerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Cleveland Browns, the biggest need is an obvious one: Wide receiver.

The Browns have revamped their offensive line, and they might not be done. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders appear to be the two front runners vying for the QB1 job. On the outside, wide receiver is a glaring position of need. Jerry Jeudy was the Browns' only wide receiver with more than 25 receptions last season.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the Cleveland Browns for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster:

Cleveland Browns NFL draft best prospect fit: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

Cleveland's offensive line got a massive overhaul ahead of 2026 with free agent additions in Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. That unit could use a young player, though. Freeling is one of the top tackles with experience on the left side and is one of the top athletes at the position in this class. He could grow into a long-term starter at one end of the line for the Browns as they transition away from their old identity under Kevin Stefanski.

NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team