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Browns Predicted to Trade Down in NFL Draft to Select Star Receiver to Bolster Offense

Cleveland Browns

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Browns predicted to trade down.

The Cleveland Browns are predicted to make a surprising decision at the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cleveland has two first-round picks in the NFL Draft after trading down in last year’s draft. Although the Browns have plenty of needs, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards predicted the team will trade down with the Dallas Cowboys from sixth overall to 12th overall. With the sixth pick, Dallas is predicted to select Caleb Downs.

Although Downs would fit the Browns’ defense, Edwards predicts Cleveland will select wide receiver Jordyn Tyson 12th overall, along with getting two future second-round picks.

“Cleveland’s long-term plan at quarterback remains unknown, but it is unlikely to be on the roster,” Edwards wrote. “It would be wise to accumulate future resources to potentially make a move in upcoming draft years. Dallas is more focused on the present, so it parts with future resources (No. 12 overall and two future second-round picks) in exchange for No. 6 overall and future fourth- and sixth-round picks. It is a reasonable trade considering the Browns still address one of their two biggest needs (wide receiver and offensive line).”

Tyson would bolster the Browns’ offense and compete with Jerry Jeudy for the team’s No. 1 receiver. He recorded 61 receptions for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns last season, but his best year was the year prior, when he helped ASU reach the playoffs.

“On the offensive side we felt like we have a number of young pillars, cornerstone pieces, but we envision a world where that side of the ball is going to have pretty significant turnover in the next several months,” Berry said.

In 2024, Tyson recorded 75 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing he can be an elite receiver.

Browns Address O-Line Later at 24th Overall

Although Cleveland passed on picking an offensive lineman sixth overall and traded the pick, Edwards has the Browns addressing the position at 24th overall.

Cleveland could have five different starting offensive linemen in 2026, and Edwards predicts the Browns will select Monroe Freelings out of Georgia.

“After trading back in the first round, the Browns selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson,” Edwards added. “Every starter along the Cleveland offensive line is slated to hit free agency this offseason, so that is a critical area to address as well. Monroe Freeling is a developing option for blindside protection.”

Freeling could compete for a starting job, but could also be someone the Browns look to develop. He could sit for a season and then take over at left tackle in 2027 and beyond.

Regardless of who they take, the offensive line is a major need for the Browns.

What Draft Picks Does Cleveland Have?

The Browns have several needs entering the offseason, and Cleveland will look to bolster its roster in the NFL Draft.

Cleveland has plenty of draft picks, including two first-round picks. In total, the Browns have 10 total picks, including four in the first three rounds. The full list of the Browns’ draft picks is as follows:

Round 1, Pick 6

Round 1, Pick 24

Round 2, Pick 39

Round 3, Pick 70

Round 4, Pick 107

Round 5, Pick 139

Round 5, Pick 144

Round 5, Pick 147

Round 6, Pick 204

Round 7, Pick 248

The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-26 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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