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Browns draft plans: Expect the unexpected, ‘surprise’ in 1st round
TL;DR
The Cleveland Browns are expected to make unexpected moves in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, potentially surprising fans with their selections. Key targets include a wide receiver, offensive tackle, or even a trade down.
Key points
- Browns expected to draft a wide receiver or offensive tackle
- Rumors suggest potential trades down in the first round
- Ohio State defenders Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs mentioned as possible picks
- Browns open to making unexpected selections
2026 NFL draftCleveland BrownsArvell ReeseCaleb Downs
BEREA, OHIO - JULY 29: Executive vice president, football operations & general manager Andrew Berry of the Cleveland Browns watches a drill during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 29, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Since about February 1st, most have believed that they have figured out what the Cleveland Browns will do in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. In some order, the Browns are expected to draft a wide receiver, draft an offensive tackle, and/or trade down (potentially multiple times). Rumors have been all over the place, but they have generally revolved around those options.
During the NFL combine, there was some discussion about whether Cleveland could make a surprise selection with an Ohio State Buckeyes defender, either edge Arvell Reese or safety Caleb Downs. With just days to go until the draft, Reese seems unlikely to be available and Downs seems likely to slide a few more spots after the sixth overall pick.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns are ‘very open to a surprise’ in the first round, and assuming they’ll select WR/OT in some order isn’t prudent:
At this point, no one really knows, and there are probably lots of reasons why any real information will be shared just days away from the draft. For now, if Browns fans are putting all of their eggs in the basket of early selections being at wide receiver and offensive tackle, Fowler is trying to pump the brakes a bit and change your expectations.
Q&A
What are the Cleveland Browns' top draft priorities for 2026?
The Browns are focusing on drafting a wide receiver, an offensive tackle, or potentially trading down in the first round.
Which Ohio State defenders could the Browns draft in 2026?
The Browns may consider Ohio State defenders like edge rusher Arvell Reese or safety Caleb Downs, although Reese is unlikely to be available.
Why are the Browns open to making a surprise pick in the draft?
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Browns are very open to making a surprise selection in the first round, indicating their strategy may not align with common expectations.
