Browns draft: 5 ‘draft risers’ Cleveland could select in the 2026 NFL draft

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Jeff Caldwell of the Cincinnati Bearcats participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The future for the Cleveland Browns largely depends on whether they can get at least competent quarterback play from someone and if DE Myles Garrett sticks around or is traded for a bounty of NFL draft picks. Neither of those things is likely to be solved ahead of or during the 2026 NFL draft. Garrett’s contract is basically untradable until after June 1st, and this year’s QB draft class is iffy at best.

As we have been pushing through as many NFL draft profiles for Browns fans, we know there will be a wide variety that we do not get to. Thankfully, we have a history of quickly putting profiles together after Cleveland makes their selections, but we also want to look at what others are saying about different parts of this year’s draft class.

ESPN put up a list of “draft risers” for this year’s draft. While all of them, to some extent, could fit for the Browns, five stood out as potential targets for different reasons.

OT Monroe Freeling

Why he rose: Some of it is physics. He has rare fluidity in his lower body for a player his size and should be able to add more strength since he won’t turn 22 until July. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.93 seconds, has 34¾-inch arms and moves like a tight end in space. Freeling also showed quality ability to react to inside counters from rushers, recover, get his feet right and win the play.

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Freeling is a hotly debated prospect among Cleveland fans, but has been on the rise for a reason. Whether it is with the sixth pick or a trade down, the Georgia tackle could be changing his dawg mascot but not his bark at the pro level.

S Dillon Thieneman

Turning point: Thieneman has an extensive résumé as a three-year starter (two at Purdue, one at Oregon), with 302 tackles and eight interceptions in his career. That’s a significant sample size. But then he uncorked a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical at the combine at 6-foot, 201 pounds. That makes folks circle back.

While Ronnie Hickman is in attendance for the start of the offseason program, the restricted free agent may not fit the new defensive scheme as well as he did the previous one. That could lead to a safety being selected much higher than many expected.

OT Max Iheanachor

Why he rose: For some, the draft is about potential over production, and Iheanachor is still an ascending player who needs to smooth out some rough edges. But with his size, mobility (4.95-second 40) and 83¼-inch wingspan, he has the qualities offensive line coaches want in a tackle.

If the Browns kick off their NFL draft with Carnell Tate or another wide receiver, Iheanachor is a name to keep an eye on late in the first or early in the second round. Trusting OL coach George Warhop to help develop the 6’6”, 321-pound athlete could lead to a steal at left tackle.

WR Jeff Caldwell

Why he rose: Offenses in search of matchup wins in the red zone will always notice Caldwell’s size/speed combination. He was the tallest receiver at the combine at 6-foot-5, and his 4.31-second 40 was the second fastest among receivers who ran.

If we assume that Cleveland selects a receiver early in the draft, Caldwell is the kind of size/speed prospect that would make sense with an early Day 3 pick.

RB Barika Kpeenu

Turning point: The Bison are known for producing offensive linemen who give running backs a tidy yards-before-contact cushion, but Kpeenu averaged 5.3 yards per carry over his career. That type of production always gets a look from scouts, and evaluators like his consistency and willingness to pass protect. He also had seven games last season with at least two rushing touchdowns.

A late Day 3 option, Kpeenu just gets the job done at the running back position. Unlike the rest of the guys on this list, he didn’t rise because of some amazing workouts; instead, he’s a solid complementary back who is willing to pass block and will provide consistency for the team that brings him in.

How do you feel about “risers” in general in the NFL draft process? What about the list above? Does anyone stand out to you as players you want the Browns to select or not select?

Share your thoughts on the risers in the comment section below