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Four big takeaways from the Dexter Lawrence trade: Barnwell sizes up the Bengals' shocking move
Bengals make a surprising move, trading for Dexter Lawrence with the 10th pick.
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The Cleveland Browns have to rethink the NFL Draft after Dexter Lawrence arrived in the AFC North
TL;DR
The Cleveland Browns must reconsider their NFL Draft strategy after the Cincinnati Bengals traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. This move intensifies competition in the AFC North and highlights the Browns' need for a stronger offensive line.
Key points
- Cleveland Browns need to rethink NFL Draft strategy
- Cincinnati Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence
- Bengals gave up 10th overall pick in 2026 Draft
- Lawrence strengthens Bengals' defense in AFC North
- Browns may draft a wide receiver and improve offensive line
Cleveland BrownsCincinnati BengalsNew York GiantsDexter Lawrence
The Cleveland Browns have to rethink the NFL Draft after Dexter Lawrence arrived in the AFC North originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There are a lot of people hoping the Cleveland Browns draft a wide receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Those people believe the club will want to pair a prize prospect at wide receiver with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. A move some think will transform the young quarterback into a true franchise starting-caliber quarterback. It may work, it may not. Sanders had one of the worst statistical rookie seasons on record, and a stud wide receiver may just help Sanders make a jump in production.
Despite the obvious, that no rookie is a guarantee, what's more likely to help Sanders excel at quarterback (or whoever starts under center) is a strong offensive line. It's an obvious need for the club, and one that has to be addressed. Especially after the news broke on Saturday of a major player landing in the AFC North.
The Cincinnati Bengals traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the Bengals' first-round pick, 10th overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft. That move alone makes the Bengals' front four all that much more vicious. It's a move that puts the entire AFC North on notice, with each of the other three clubs now needing to prepare to face Lawrence a combined six times.
More:Â Why Giants trading Dexter Lawrence to Bengals is gut-wrenching news for Browns
Q&A
How does Dexter Lawrence's trade to the Bengals affect the Browns' draft strategy?
The trade forces the Browns to rethink their approach, particularly in addressing their offensive line needs to compete against Lawrence.
What did the Bengals give up to acquire Dexter Lawrence?
The Bengals traded their first-round pick, the 10th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, to the New York Giants for Lawrence.
What impact will Dexter Lawrence have on the AFC North?
Lawrence's presence will strengthen the Bengals' defense, making it more challenging for the Browns and other teams in the AFC North.
What are the Browns' current needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Browns need to focus on strengthening their offensive line, as well as potentially drafting a wide receiver to support quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
