NFL draft rumor: Browns looking to trade up in the 1st round

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: Fans gather in front of the stage prior to Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 NFL draft is officially open. Months of waiting, wondering, hoping, discussing, evaluating, mock drafts , etc, will come to an end.

For the Cleveland Browns, a wide receiver or offensive tackle seems like the most likely option with their first overall pick, but trading down has been rumored for a long time. A rebuilding team rarely moves up in the draft unless it is for a quarterback or a game-changer, which is why the trade-down rumors have made sense, including the idea that the Browns could go for a full reset starting with Thursday night’s Day 1 of the NFL draft. Shortly before round 1 opened, a surprise report that Cleveland is one of a few teams actually looking to move up late in the first round: The Eagles, Titans and Browns are among teams that have had pre-draft discussions with teams about possible move-ups into late 1.

Some of that could prove simple due diligence but noteworthy nonetheless. — Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 23, 2026 While Philadelphia is looking to continue its Super Bowl contention, Cleveland and Tennessee are both looking to move from some of the worst records in the NFL. The Eagles could be looking at a wide variety of positions.

The Titans seem set at quarterback with Cam Ward , but could be looking to either protect him or provide him with another weapon. For the Browns, could a trade up for QB Ty Simpson come to fruition? Simpson and Cleveland HC Todd Monken have a history together.