Andrew Buller-Russ
Boasting the sixth and 24th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns head into April 23 in an advantageous position. They’re one of five teams with two first-round selections. Yet, even after the first day, the Browns still have a chance to add a few potential starters, as they also have the 39th, 70th, and 107th overall picks, and a total of nine selections overall.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry will have several opportunities to address Cleveland’s biggest needs. But some weaknesses are more glaring than others, and the Browns are expected to address them early on.
According to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline‘s sources, “AB wants o-line early and has been telling people since last season.”
“I’ve reported multiple times that the team believes they can slide Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano over to the left tackle spot to fill a hole at that position. As someone told me Monday evening, “AB wants o-line early and has been telling people since last season”; AB refers to Browns general manager Andrew Berry. There’s no denying that even with a quarterback dilemma, the Browns first need to improve their offensive line. “
Tony Pauline on Cleveland Browns’ draft plans
There are several offensive tackle prospects projected to be first-round picks, and with so many top pass-rushers available at the top, the Browns are expected to be the first team to select a lineman. That means they’ll have first dibs at the top offensive lineman on their draft board, whether it be someone like Fano or Francis Mauigoa, or another prospect who Cleveland feels can handle left tackle remains to be seen.
Pauline’s sources add that the Browns also will not be trading All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett this offseason. With Garrett under contract through 2029, there’s no motivation on Cleveland’s side to part with a “generational talent” who just broke the NFL’s single-season sack record.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Take Over First Round of NFL Draft
