Browns NFL Draft: Mammoth OT tabbed as developmental player to target
Could the Browns target a developmental offensive tackle in the mid-rounds? One draft analyst thinks Markel Bell could be their guy.
The Cleveland Browns are expected by many to take an offensive tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft . Nearly every single mock draft has them doing so. However, could they potentially double up and look for a swing tackle in the middle rounds to develop as well?
This is what NFL Draft on SI's Justin Melo would call a good idea. Writing on the perfect developmental fit for each team, Melo paired the Browns with the mammoth Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell. Measuring in at 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds at the NFL Combine, Bell's size is in the 97th percentile and above in all of his measurements.
He boasts enormously long arms as well, measuring over 36. 5 inches. He has a 98th percentile wingspan.
With Dawand Jones in a contract year and showing an inability to stay healthy throughout the first three years of his NFL career, the Browns doubling down and finding a swing tackle as well as a starter early makes a ton of sense. Here is what Melo had to say on the fit of Bell in Cleveland: "The Cleveland Browns are going to draft multiple offensive linemen as they continue retooling that room. They've spent a considerable amount of time throughout the pre-draft process studying Miami's Markel Bell.