Cleveland Browns NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

We've seen examples where quarterbacks — Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, and Cam Ward, to name a few — have ascended from a mid-round projection before their final season to eventually go first (or second) overall. Following a down year, there are a number of quarterbacks who should hear their name called early in the draft. In addition, Allar would have likely been a top-10 pick had he declared in this past draft cycle as some teams were encouraging him to do, according to reports.

Perhaps a perfect fit to play in Cleveland and the rough-and-tumble AFC North, Allar has prototypical size and the arm strength to make all the throws anywhere on the field. Continued development by the former five-star recruit from Medina (OH) could catapult him to the top of the draft board and under center for his hometown team.

Could we call this a mock draft without including an Ohio State wide receiver? Of course, Jeremiah Smith gets the bulk of the attention and would be the slam-dunk WR1 if he were eligible in 2026, but Tate is currently my bet to be the WR1 in the 2026 draft class. The lanky wideout's route-running ability, catch radius and strong hands would be a welcome addition to Cleveland's below-average wide receiving corps.

Allar is an unrefined product, but he has a lot of the traits that will appeal to NFL teams. The Ohio native grew up wanting to play for Cleveland. The Browns are clearly stockpiling picks to either take their quarterback of choice or move around to get that player. The third-round selection of Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round selection of Shedeur Sanders is not going to change that fact.

The Browns secured a second first-round pick as a part of trading back from No. 2 to No. 5 in the 2025 NFL Draft so that the Jaguars could move up to select WR/CB Travis Hunter. With that, Cleveland selects the Utah offensive lineman. Fano is an incredibly athletic right tackle who would benefit by adding more mass. The idea would be Cleveland flipping him to the left side; a strategy that did not exactly work out with former first-round pick Jedrick Wills.

The Browns drafted two quarterbacks last week: Dillon Gabriel in Round 3 and Shedeur Sanders in Round 5. But Cleveland didn't address the position with any of its four picks in the top 70, and it might take a bigger swing next April. Klubnik made huge strides in his second season as a starter, finishing 2024 with 3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions. He could be the long-term answer.

Klubnik maintains a strong platform while going through his reads and is consistent no matter the defensive structure. He also has the mobility to escape pressure, but he has B-level arm strength, so it will be important for him to show that he can throw into tight windows this season. His game reminds me a lot of Bo Nix.

After getting their quarterback at No. 1, the Browns could use their second first-round pick to keep Downs in-state. He's the complete package at safety -- active, instinctive and capable of shutting down the middle of the field. He had two interceptions and seven pass breakups last season, but Downs can also make plays in the backfield via the blitz; his 7.5 tackles for loss was 14th among all defensive backs.

The Browns traded back in 2025 with this moment in mind, as they now have the extra draft capital to move up for their preferred QB, if needed. With Manning falling in this scenario, Cleveland secures a rare high-end signal caller with an iconic family legacy to build the franchise around.

Terrell (5-11, 180 pounds) is the brother of Tigers legend and first-round NFL Pro Bowler, A.J. Terrell. The Second Team All-ACC selection recorded 13 PBU, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and 64 tackles as a complete corner and should be an anchor for the Cowboys' secondary for years to come.

After spending a hefty amount of draft capital assembling their quarterback room, the Browns would love to see Arch Manning enter the 2026 draft and for there to be an active trade market for the top pick. Most within Austin still believe he'll stick around for another season, leaving Cleveland to shore up its offensive line with a mammoth left tackle in Proctor, who could become the sport's best player up front if he continues his progression.

Jerry Jeudy has been a solid addition since arriving, but the Browns could still use more at receiver to help whichever quarterback is the starter. Anderson's injury-plagued 2024 campaign with the Oklahoma Sooners hampered his stock. Still, he is set to thrive in Baton Rouge with his size, speed and production that is sure to come in getting paired up with Nussmeier for a whole year, given what we saw of him as a true freshman in '23.

Had Allar declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he might have been the No. 2 pick (to his hometown Cleveland Browns). But he returned to school to further his development. If he continues to improve, he will be in the top-five conversation next April.

A good-looking athlete at 6-6, 315, Barber shows off his range on pulls and climbs, and he is able to torque defenders off balance once he latches. He could interest a team such as the Browns, who have long-term question marks at left and right tackle.

Yes, the Browns just invested draft picks in both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but if either was viewed as a realistic starting option, they wouldn't have lasted until the third and fifth rounds, respectively. With just two career starts, it is beyond premature to project Manning as the No. 1 overall pick, but the traits and talent are undeniable. Manning is much more athletic than his famous uncles, but possesses their prototypical size, arm strength and accuracy, as well as the poise in the spotlight that comes with growing up in such a famous family. Given that the Longhorns are replacing their receivers and much of their offensive line, Manning has plenty of work to do to justify all the hype, but at this point, he's the obvious favorite to be the first pick.

With the selection gained in the Travis Hunter trade, the Browns turn a good pass rush into a potentially lethal one. Sapp has a compact build yet offers intriguing positional versatility, showing enough core strength and quickness to rush from anywhere along the defensive line. He led the Gators in both tackles for loss (13) and sacks (seven) last year and could be on the verge of a monster senior season.

In passing up Travis Hunter to acquire an additional first-round pick for 2026, the Browns sent a clear signal that they're pinning their hopes for a full relaunch one year from now. A central part of that effort will be getting a clean break from the Deshaun Watson debacle by positioning themselves for a marquee quarterback. Allar isn't the clearcut front-runner to go No. 1, but the Medina, Ohio, native possesses several qualities that could make him a hometown hero in this scenario. The 6-5, 238-pounder exhibits truly elite arm strength that he can unleash in a moment's notice, both from the pocket and on the run. While he still has to grow more consistent with his footwork and anticipation, he could claim the top spot on draft boards if he makes another significant leap comparable to the one he took last season.

Once the Browns have their long-term answer at quarterback in tow, they could turn their attention to safeguarding him. The mountainous Mauigoa (6-6, 315 pounds) still has to rein in his aggressiveness, but it's rare to find his blockers who boast his quickness and explosiveness, particularly at his size.