A Browns source told a league insider that it would be shortsighted to assume the team will use its two first-round selections only to fill two needs, signaling openness to a surprise move as draft day approaches. Cleveland currently holds picks Nos. 6, 24, and 39 (Round 2).
The team’s clear priorities are offensive tackle and wide receiver, but executives have signaled they don’t have to stay put at No. 6 to achieve those goals. General manager Andrew Berry has emphasized “maximizing the asset,” meaning the possibility of trading down to add another high-value selection remains on the table.
Analysts have warned of a potential run on offensive tackles in the early portion of the first round, which could complicate a plan to grab a tackle and a receiver if Cleveland stays put. A trade down to around No. 12, for instance, could give the Browns a shot at a top-tier edge-rusher while keeping options open at tackle and receiver later in the process.
Sticking with a No. 6 pick could still allow Cleveland to secure a premier tackle and then target the best available receiver at No. 24, especially if an additional asset is acquired in a trade. The Browns would also gain flexibility to position themselves for the 2027 draft class, which is projected to be strong across key positions.
Regarding quarterback, the Browns are not expected to address the position early in this draft. The 2026 class lacks a consensus franchise QB beyond Mendoza, with speculation around Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson as options circling the conversation. Cleveland is likely to continue building around its current QB situation and reassess the position ahead of 2027.
