football

Browns Mock Draft: Trading down to acquire more bites at the apple

Yahoo Sports

Moving back in this mock draft and adding future assets is the way to go for the Cleveland Browns.

It's almost time for the 2026 NFL draft to kick off next week in Pittsburgh as teams finalize their big board ahead of the festivities. The Cleveland Browns aren't finding a franchise quarterback in this year's draft, which means they can give a young guy like Shedeur Sanders a chance to prove himself. Trading back and adding assets for 2027, in case Sanders doesn't perform well, makes the most sense for the team in the long term.

Let's dive into my final mock draft of 2026, as the draft is just around the corner. Trade: Miami receives: Round 1, Pick 6. Round 5, Pick 146 Cleveland receives: Round 1, Pick 11.

Round 4, Pick 130. 2027 first-round pick Round 1, Pick 11: Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia Monroe Freeling might be one of the strongest pass protectors in the entire class. His length and athleticism allow him to neutralize speed rushers effectively, and he uses that same reach to control power rushers even without elite strength.

Across 390 pass‑blocking snaps for Georgia this season, he surrendered just six pressures and two sacks. Round 1, Pick 24: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon The best part of Dillon Thieneman's game is versatility. You can line him up in the slot, the box, or as a single high safety, and he plays at a high level in all three places.

Continue to the original source for the full article.