2026 Cleveland Browns Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 10 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 10 selections and critical needs at Wide Receiver, Quarterback, Offensive Tackle. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #6 - Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson, Quarterback, Alabama
Rank: #13 overall | Grade: A- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Tennessee takes the best player available in Rueben Bain Jr, even though edge rusher and linebacker rank ahead of interior defensive line on their needs. Bain is ranked number one overall for a reason—his unique combination of twitch, density, and positional versatility makes him a moveable weapon rather than a stationary piece. The Titans are building their defense around a player who operates on a different frequency than college competition.
The Fit:Bain's elite first-step explosion and precise hand technique allow him to beat offensive linemen before they establish position, while his 275-pound frame creates enough density to anchor against the run. His 77 career sacks at Miami Central High and 15.5 college sacks validate the production that matches his tools. The tweener label becomes a feature, not a bug, when smart coordinators deploy him from multiple alignments to create pre-snap chaos.
Scouting Report:If Ty Simpson was off the board, Cleveland Browns could target similar Quarterbacks in the first round range.
See full Cleveland Browns 7-round draft →---
Pick #27 - Cleveland Browns: Kevin Concepcion, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M
Rank: #28 overall | Grade: B+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Cleveland addresses their fourth-ranked need with Olaivavega Ioane, a Penn State guard whose high floor and versatile experience provide immediate value. Ioane's powerful jump sets that stall bull rushes immediately and his ability to process secondary threats with alert eyes give the Browns a plug-and-play starter. This is a safe, smart pick that addresses offensive line concerns without reaching for upside.
The Fit:Ioane's thick frame and quick, accurate strikes in pass protection fit Cleveland's need for reliability over flashiness. His experience at multiple positions—guard and tackle plus center snaps—provides roster flexibility, while his overpowering force redirecting linebackers at the second level adds run-game impact. The pad-level concerns in pass protection need coaching, but his only three penalties in 2024 demonstrate the discipline to minimize mistakes.
Scouting Report:If Kevin Concepcion was off the board, Cleveland Browns could target similar Wide Receivers in the first round range.
See full Cleveland Browns 7-round draft →---
Pick #39 - Cleveland Browns: R Mason Thomas, Edge Rusher, Oklahoma
Rank: #39 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Houston addresses their top need directly by taking A'Mauri Washington, a freakish athlete whose 36-inch vertical and ability to hit 21 mph on GPS tracking at 330 pounds defy physics. Washington's 14 pressures and 72.4 PFF pass-rush grade in 2024 showed flashes of the dominant player Oregon coaches believe he can become. The Texans are betting on ceiling over production.
The Fit:Washington's violent hand usage at the point of attack and remarkable lateral agility for his size give Houston an interior presence who can reset the line of scrimmage against any blocking scheme. His first-step explosion allows him to knife through gaps before offensive linemen react, while his natural feel for finding the football in traffic suggests instincts beyond his limited experience. The tackling inconsistency and fatigue-related pad-level issues need development, but his physical tools are elite.
Scouting Report:If R Mason Thomas was off the board, Cleveland Browns could target similar Edge Rushers in the second round range.
See full Cleveland Browns 7-round draft →---
Pick #70 - Cleveland Browns: Zachariah Branch, Wide Receiver, Georgia
Rank: #73 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Philadelphia addresses their fifth-ranked need by selecting Max Klare, whose non-linear path from Purdue to Ohio State has led to emergence as one of the nation's premier tight end prospects. Klare led the Boilermakers with 51 catches for 685 yards in 2024 before making the jump to Ohio State, and his abnormally high fluidity for the position makes him a natural fit in the Eagles' passing attack. The selection prioritizes receiving upside over blocking prowess.
The Fit:Klare's excellent route-running and catch-to-attack mentality create space for himself in ways most tight ends cannot replicate. His route-stem nuance reading defender leverage and explosive seam threat getting on second-level defenders quickly add dimension to Philadelphia's passing game, even if his 243-pound frame lacks the mass to contribute as an in-line blocker. The smooth footwork executing a wide range of route fakes suggests immediate slot-tight end production while blocking development continues.
Scouting Report:If Zachariah Branch was off the board, Cleveland Browns could target similar Wide Receivers in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Cleveland Browns 7-round draft →---
Pick #107: Blake Miller (Offensive Tackle, Clemson) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #139: Michael Taaffe (Safety, Texas) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #144: Jyaire Hill (Cornerback, Michigan) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #147: Tim Keenan III (Defensive Line, Alabama) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #210: Tomas Rimac (IOL, Virginia Tech) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #248: Jaden Keller (Linebacker, Virginia Tech) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Cleveland Browns Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
Related Content
More Cleveland Browns Draft Coverage:---
Next Cleveland Browns Mock Update: Tuesday at 5:00 AM ET