
Jefferson blunt on McCarthy with Kyler a Viking
Justin Jefferson discusses the Vikings' QB competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.
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.
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.
The Browns are focusing on drafting a wide receiver, an offensive tackle, or potentially trading down in the first round.
The Browns may consider Ohio State defenders like edge rusher Arvell Reese or safety Caleb Downs, although Reese is unlikely to be available.
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.

Justin Jefferson discusses the Vikings' QB competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.

El Deportivo logra una remontada y vence 3-1 al Mirandés en Riazor.

Get ready for the WNBA's 30th season with fantasy insights for all teams!
NFL Mock Draft 2026: Ty Simpson projected to Arizona Cardinals
Newcastle will sell Anthony Gordon to Bayern Munich for £75m if they agree.
2026 NFL Draft QB Rankings: Fernando Mendoza stands out for the Raiders, but Ty Simpson is also a contender.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
What do you believe about what the Browns plans are for this year’s draft?
Sign up for a user account and get: