With the 2021 NFL season coming to an end, all eyes are now on the 2026 NFL Draft. As we eagerly await the arrival of yet another talented group of prospects, the excitement and anticipation continue to grow among fans and experts alike. At EssentiallySports, we are just as eager to see how each team shapes their future with the young talent available. That’s why we are bringing you a daily mock draft, analyzing each team’s needs and making our predictions for their first-round pick. Today, we take a look at the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have had their fair share of struggles in recent years, but they have started to turn things around. With a solid foundation in place, Cleveland will be looking to make the most of their picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and continue to build a strong team for the future.
Round 1: Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Browns’ biggest need heading into the 2026 NFL Draft is at the wide receiver position. After losing their top receiver in free agency, Cleveland will be looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their offense. And who better to fill that role than local product Carnell Tate?
Tate, a standout at Ohio State, is an explosive receiver with a rare combination of size, speed, and strength. He has the ability to make big plays down the field and is a natural route runner. With his exceptional hands and athleticism, Tate has all the tools to become a game-changer for the Browns’ offense. He will quickly become a favorite target for their potential franchise quarterback.
Round 2: Sam Carter, Quarterback, Clemson
The Browns have been searching for the right quarterback for years, and they may have finally found their guy in Sam Carter. Coming from a winning program at Clemson, Carter brings a winning mentality and leadership skills to the team.
At 6’3″ and 220 pounds, Carter has the ideal size for the quarterback position. He also possesses great arm talent, accuracy, and mobility, making him a dual-threat on the field. With the right coaching, Carter has the potential to develop into a franchise quarterback for the Browns. He will have the luxury of sitting behind a proven veteran for a season or two before taking over the reins.
Round 3: Jacob Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
Protecting their quarterback will be a top priority for the Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s why they will look to add depth and competition at the offensive tackle position with Jacob Johnson out of Alabama.
Standing at 6’6″ and 325 pounds, Johnson has the size and strength to be a dominant force in the NFL. He excels in pass protection and is a natural run blocker, making him an ideal fit for Cleveland’s offensive scheme. With some development, Johnson could become a reliable starter and a valuable asset for the Browns’ offensive line.
Round 4: Nick Martin, Safety, Notre Dame
The Browns’ defense showed significant improvement in 2025, but they still have room for improvement in the secondary. Nick Martin, a versatile safety out of Notre Dame, could provide some much-needed depth and competition for the starting roles.
Martin is a sure tackler with excellent instincts and ball skills. He can line up at both free and strong safety, providing the defense with versatility and flexibility. With his physicality and ability to read offenses, Martin has the potential to become a starter for the Browns in the near future.
Round 5: Cameron Harris, Running Back, Georgia
With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt leading the ground game for the Browns, adding another running back may not be a top priority. However, Cameron Harris out of Georgia could bring a different skill set to the table and add depth to the running back room.
Harris is a dynamic runner with great vision, patience, and elusiveness. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield and has experience returning kicks. His versatility and explosiveness could make him a valuable asset for the Browns’ offense.
Round 6: David Brown, Linebacker, Oregon
The Browns’ defense took a big step forward in 2025, but they could still use some depth and competition at the linebacker position. David Brown, a playmaking linebacker out of Oregon, could fit the bill for Cleveland.
At 6’2″ and 240 pounds, Brown has the size and speed to be an
