Browns' Round 1 NFL Draft plan might not be help for Shedeur Sanders

TL;DR

The Cleveland Browns are focusing on wide receiver and offensive tackle for the 2026 NFL Draft, but may also consider a defensive player in Round 1.

Key points

Cleveland Browns linked to wide receiver and offensive tackle
Browns may consider a defensive player in Round 1
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN reported on Browns' draft strategy

Shedeur SandersCleveland Browns

Browns' Round 1 NFL Draft plan might not be help for Shedeur Sanders originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Coming into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns have been strongly tied to two positions on the offensive side of the ball: wide receiver and offensive tackle.

Those are two major needs, so it's no surprise that the Browns are strongly linked to both positions. But those might not be the only positions the Browns are considering in Round 1 of this year's draft

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Browns are reportedly considering adding a defensive player early this year instead of only looking at WR and OT.

Browns linked to non-WR and OT positions in Round 1

"The Browns have a short list of players, and not all of them fill their two major needs (offensive tackle, receiver)," Fowler reports. "So, while I don't expect the Browns to take Styles or Downs, defensive help isn't totally off the table, even if it's an entry point to trade back."

This year's draft has some intriguing defensive players, with Ohio State's Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs being three of the most interesting in this year's class.

But, with the New York Jets likely to go for Reese at No. 2, and this report from Fowler indicating Styles and Downs aren't likely options, the Browns' defensive upgrades might be a bit different.

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The Browns might be eyeing Texas Tech edge David Bailey, Miami edge Ruben Bain Jr., or LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. All three would be nice pickups at premium positions for the Browns, and all wouldn't be total shockers at this spot.

While Shedeur Sanders needs a ton of help on offense for 2026, the Browns might go for a defender with their first first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

This is something to keep in mind during the 2026 NFL Draft, as the Browns might be looking to improve their defense this offseason through the draft.