Browns draft pick projections: Ranking 5 best combinations for Cleveland's two Round 1 selections

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Browns draft pick projections: Ranking 5 best combinations for Cleveland's two Round 1 selections originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After posting the third-best record in the AFC North in 2025, it's clear the Browns need a lot of help.

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There were some bright points in Cleveland's campaign. Myles Garrett broke the all-time single-season sack record, while Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins showed hints of their brimming potential.

Nevertheless, the team's lack of wins -- and direction -- brought about the end of Kevin Stefanski's troublesome tenure in charge.

The next steward to take hold of the Browns' headset, Todd Monken, will look to restore the feeling of the early years of Stefanski's tenure. He'll have his work cut out for him to accomplish his aims, however. Beyond Garrett, Fannin, Judkins and a handful of other players, things have been bleak for Cleveland.

There is one positive to the Browns' recent toils. They boast two top-25 picks in this year's draft -- one near of the board at No. 6, the other taking shape in the 20s. There's a real chance that Cleveland packages one or both of the picks during this year's draft -- many believe the Browns could move down in hope of bringing in additional assets.

Assuming they stay pat, though, just what could be on store for Cleveland fans in 2026? Whose name will they hear first (and second) during the 2026 NFL draft?

The Sporting News has you covered.

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Browns draft pick projections

1. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (No. 6) + Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (No. 24)

Tate enjoyed a sterling -- if somewhat understated -- career in Columbus, emerging as one of the nation's top playmakers at his position in his junior season. The Browns are in desperate need of a youthful pass-catcher, having invested in their pass game by bringing in Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. in recent years. Cleveland still doesn't have its long-term answer at quarterback. But Tate, with his vice-grip-like hands and willow-like arms, could propel the attack to new heights, especially under Todd Monken's tutelage.

With Tate's addition, the Browns would fill one of their biggest needs. Ioane -- a hulking interior blocker adept at paving lanes in the run game and sealing off gaps in pass protection -- would fill another. The 22-year-old has the talent to be selected 5-10 picks before the No. 24 spot. But if he were to tumble, Cleveland would be foolish to pass up the chance to add him into its ranks.

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2. Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah (No. 6) + Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (No. 24)

This year's draft is replete with offensive line talent, with some predicting that more offensive linemen will hear their names called in the first round than ever before. Fano is arguably a cut above his colleagues, earning rave reviews -- and the Outland Trophy as college football's best interior lineman -- across a glittering three-year Utes career.

Fano has football swirling in his blood; four of his uncles and one of his cousins played in the NFL. He's durable, consistent and fluid, welcome traits as a tempest of bodies swirls towards the pocket. Cleveland could do worse than add the Utah sentry to its offensive line as a tackle or guard.

In the event that the Browns do take Fano, they will likely turn their sights to that other widening void that exists within their offense's ranks: wide receiver. Cooper will compete with a slew of different wideouts as he attempts to cement himself as a first-round talent. His physicality and cushion-like hands make him an alluring proposition for a Browns team searching for steadiness out wide. 

3. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (No. 6) + Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (No. 24)

Given Sanders' limitations as a passer, there's a chance spectators won't get to see the best parts of Tate's game -- his explosiveness -- on display. Still, his footwork and use of feints and stutters out of the line of scrimmage should make him NFL-ready from Day One.

Proctor has plenty of flaws. He is more raw than most of his first-round contemporaries, struggling with discipline and technique throughout his spell in Tuscaloosa. However, he's 6-6, 352 pounds and blessed with venom in his hands and arms. Proctor might not be the most refined blocker in this year's draft. But few have physical tools like his. If Cleveland can harness Proctor's potential, it could have a game-changing blocker in its hands.

MORE: The 7 safest picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including Jeremiyah Love, Caleb Downs

4. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL) (No. 6) + KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (No. 24)

Mauigoa has been mocked as early as No. 3 and as late as the early-teens across different publications. His 6-5, 329-pound frame belies a plodding disposition. In reality, Mauigoa is one of the draft's most impressive athletes, pairing his daunting figure with flexibility and solid speed -- especially for a guard.

Mauigoa snaps came almost exclusively at right tackle at Miami. He could very well move to guard in the future. He's durable, stout and relaxed, using an assortment of tricks to ward off defenders. Mauigoa's acumen should serve well in Monken's attack.

Concepcion could join him. The Texas A&M product is far from faultless, showing a propensity for dropped passes. He has some Zay Flowers in his game. In some ways, that's a good thing; Monken crafted screen plays and jet sweeps to get Flowers involved, helping him post back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2024 and 2025.

Concepcion averaged 15.1 yards per catch. He bursts with the ball in his hands, be that in the flat or in the return game. As The Athletic's Dane Brugler notes, 78.7 percent of Concepcion's catches went for a first down or touchdown last year, the third-best mark in the nation last year. If Monken wants a Flowers acolyte, he would do well to invest in Concepcion. 

5. Makai Lemon, WR, USC (No. 6) + Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (No. 24)

While Tate possesses the more eye-catching characteristics, there's a case to be made that Lemon is the draft's best wide receiver prospect. The USC product operates best out of the slot -- more than 70 percent of his catches came on the inside. Slot receivers rarely command top-10 attention. Then again, Lemon -- the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner as college football's best wide receiver -- isn't like most players at his position.

The Trojan alum dazzled as a route-runner in Pasadena, routinely displacing his markers with the drop of his shoulder. He's also well-equipped to handle RPO runouts, one of Monken's preferred setups during his time with the Ravens. While Tate might feel the more appropriate pick at No. 6, Lemon could be in the hunting for the prize.

Freeling, meanwhile, is wet in the ears, learning much of what he knows about blocking across a one-and-a-half season spell as starter. There are holes in his game, none more glaring than his stance, which can grow upright when he's not focused.

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The flashes are entrancing, though. Freeling is lanky, quick and alert. He uses his hands like axes, chopping down on rushers as they attempt to breach the pocket. His growth over the years has been impressive. Perhaps he can keep the good times rolling in Cleveland at No. 24.

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