2026 Cleveland Browns Draft Tracker: Grades, Fits & Reports
The Cleveland Browns will enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday with a total of nine selections spread across the three‑day event.
General manager Andrew Berry has emphasized that the draft represents a chance to accelerate the ongoing roster rebuild while leveraging the premium picks the franchise currently holds.
The Browns possess four of the first 70 selections, a positioning that gives them flexibility to address immediate needs and to consider strategic trade‑backs.
One possible scenario mirrors last year’s maneuver when Cleveland moved from No. 2 to No. 5, acquiring an extra second‑rounder and a 2026 first‑rounder that ultimately became No. 24 this year.
Should the Browns trade back from the No. 6 slot in the first round, they would follow a similar path, potentially adding depth while still targeting a top‑tier talent.
Left tackle and wide receiver emerge as the two most pressing non‑quarterback needs on the offensive side of the ball.
While a first‑round quarterback could be on the radar in a different draft class, Berry indicates the search may be deferred to 2027.
The organization views the 2026 draft as an opportunity to plug gaps on the offensive line and to add playmakers who can complement the running duo of Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson.
With the Browns still not considered playoff contenders for the 2026 season, the draft’s impact on the roster’s immediate competitiveness will be closely examined.
Round 1, pick 9 (acquired via the Chiefs), saw Cleveland select Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle from Utah.
Fano, a unanimous first‑team All‑American and Outland Trophy winner, is projected to start immediately, providing the Browns with a much‑needed upgrade at the tackle position.
Standing 6‑foot‑5½ and weighing 311 pounds, Fano primarily played right tackle in college, starting 25 of his 36 games at that spot.
His 32 ‑inch arm length raises questions about his suitability for left tackle, but his physicality and blocking prowess are expected to benefit the Browns’ run game.
Dane Brugger’s scouting report highlights Fano’s footwork, demeanor, and recovery balance as attributes of a starting NFL tackle.
Brugger also notes Fano’s “knack for losing slowly,” suggesting a developmental trajectory that could see him excel at either tackle or guard.
Beast’s profile reinforces the view that Fano projects as an immediate starter, especially given Utah’s reliance on his blocking in the running game.
Zac Jackson awarded the selection a B+ grade, citing the right‑value acquisition of a player who can step in at right tackle or guard.
Round 1, pick 24 (via the Jaguars), brought KC Concepcion, a wide receiver from Texas A&M, to Cleveland.
Concepcion’s explosive athleticism, described as “moving like a jet ski on smooth water,” positions him as a potential playmaker in the slot or as a punt returner.
At 5‑foot‑11 and 196 pounds, his size and recurring drop issues present challenges that will need to be addressed for sustained NFL success.
Nick Baumgardner’s analysis underscores Concepcion’s ability to create separation and generate yards after the catch, despite the need for refinement.
Brugger adds that Concepcion possesses the receiving talent to become a starting slot receiver while also contributing on special teams.
Jackson’s B+ grade reflects the high upside of the pick, though his fantasy impact hinges on the Browns’ quarterback situation and offensive scheme.
The second‑round selection at No. 39 has yet to be announced, but the Browns are expected to continue focusing on offensive line depth and skill‑position versatility.
Subsequent third‑round picks at No. 70 and No. 74 (the latter via the Chiefs) will likely target interior line depth or defensive versatility, aligning with Berry’s balanced approach.
Round 4’s No. 107 pick offers an additional opportunity to address edge‑rushing or secondary depth, areas that have shown inconsistency in recent seasons.
The fifth round includes three selections (Nos. 146, 148 via the Chiefs, and 149 via the Bengals), which traditionally serve as value‑grab opportunities for developmental prospects.
Round 6’s No. 206 pick (via the Bears) and round 7’s No. 248 selection (via the Seahawks) complete the Browns’ draft board, providing chances to acquire special‑teams contributors or practice‑squad depth.
Below is a summary of the Browns’ known draft picks and their projected positions:
| Round | Pick | Player (Position, School) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 (via Chiefs) | Spencer Fano, OT, Utah |
| 1 | 24 (via Jaguars) | KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M |
| 2 | 39 | To be announced |
| 3 | 70 | To be announced |
| 3 | 74 (via Chiefs) | To be announced |
| 4 | 107 | To be announced |
| 5 | 146 | To be announced |
| 5 | 148 (via Chiefs) | To be announced |
| 5 | 149 (via Bengals) | To be announced |
| 6 | 206 (via Bears) | To be announced |
| 7 | 248 (via Seahawks) | To be announced |
The Browns’ offensive line, after a tumultuous offseason, lacks a clear left‑tackle solution, making Fano’s selection particularly salient.
Historically, Cleveland has struggled to retain top‑tier tackles, often resorting to free‑agency signings that have yielded mixed results.
By drafting a player with proven collegiate success and a strong work ethic, the Browns aim to solidify the right side of the line while evaluating Fano’s potential at left.
Should Fano transition effectively to the left side, the Browns could achieve a rare continuity on the edge, a factor that correlates with improved pass‑protection metrics.
The addition of Concepcion addresses the need for a dynamic slot receiver who can stretch defenses and provide a reliable target on third down.
In recent seasons, Cleveland’s passing attack has ranked near the bottom of the league, underscoring the importance of a playmaker who can create separation and generate yards after the catch.
Concepcion’s special‑teams value also aligns with head coach Todd Monken’s emphasis on field position and explosive return units.
Monken’s offensive philosophy, which favors a balanced attack with a strong running component, suggests that Concepcion will be utilized in creative formations that exploit his speed.
The Browns’ draft strategy reflects a broader league trend of prioritizing offensive line depth and versatile receivers in the early rounds.
Teams that secure high‑quality tackles and dynamic pass‑catchers typically see improvements in both rushing efficiency and third‑down conversion rates.
Berry’s willingness to entertain first‑round trade offers demonstrates Cleveland’s flexible approach to asset management.
If a trade materializes, the Browns could acquire additional mid‑round picks, further enhancing their ability to stockpile developmental talent.
The franchise’s recent history of trading down for extra picks has yielded players like *insert past successful pick*, reinforcing the merit of this strategy.
Conversely, retaining a high first‑round position guarantees the opportunity to select a generational talent, a risk that Berry appears prepared to assess on a case‑by‑case basis.
Overall, the 2026 draft positions the Browns to make meaningful upgrades while preserving future flexibility.
The immediate impact of the selections will be measured by the ability of Fano and Concepcion to earn starting roles during training camp.
Long‑term success will depend on how the drafted players integrate into Cleveland’s rebuilding timeline, which aims for sustained competitiveness beyond the 2026 season.
