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Browns linked to making stunning pick at sixth overall.
The Cleveland Browns have plenty of needs entering the 2026 NFL Draft, but the team could make a surprising move.
Cleveland has been widely predicted to select an offensive lineman at sixth overall, but the Browns could make another pick. Browns analyst Andy McNamara of Sporting News links the team to drafting Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love.
“Does Jeremiyah Love make the Browns better? Absolutely,” McNamara wrote. “Can they actually afford to draft him at No. 6? That’s where the conversation gets complicated. The rumors are swirling after Todd Monken’s comments at the NFL owners’ meetings, where he doubled down on a “run-heavy” identity. Naturally, the dots are being connected to Love, a dynamic dual threat playmaker who fits the Monken mold of a versatile, pass-catching weapon out of the backfield.”
Love would bring another dynamic to the Browns offense, but McNamara isn’t sure it makes the most sense. But, he does think Love is the right player for Monken and his offense, which is why he could be a fit.
“You don’t build a sustainable “run-heavy” offense by drafting the runner before the blockers,” McNamara added. “In a league where positional value is king, taking a RB sixth overall when your offensive line has glaring holes and your receiving corps needs a spark is a tough pill to swallow.
“Love is the right player at the wrong time. Unless Monken plans on going with a super old school 1940s run-only game plan, Berry needs to draft for need with Cleveland’s pair of first-round picks.”
Love rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and looks like a true No. 1 running back in the NFL.
Judkins Could be Back for OTAs
The Browns used a second-round pick on Judkins last year, and he appeared to be a legit star running back in the NFL.
Yet, Judkins suffered a gruesome dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16 against Buffalo. It was a bad injury that resulted in surgery, but Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team is hopeful Judkins is back for OTAs.
“Berry gave a brief but positive update on Quinshon Judkins’ injury rehab and said he’s hopeful Judkins will be on the field “in some form or fashion” this spring. On the OL, it’s Howard at RT, Johnson at LG and “TBD” everywhere else including with Elgton Jenkins,” Browns reporter Zac Jackson of The Athletic wrote on X.
If Judkins can be back for OTAs, the Browns’ drafting another running back doesn’t make sense.
Browns HOF Shares Ideal Draft Plans
Cleveland has two first-round picks, and the team is expected to use the sixth overall pick on offensive line help.
Yet, Browns legend Joe Thomas is also hoping the team drafts some weapons for whoever is at quarterback.
“We got to get weapons, right? We need receiver,” Thomas said to Browns Daily. “That’s probably, if I look at it, our biggest need that we can address in this draft.
“Then I’d like to get a tackle, right? We still need a tackle for sure. You can always use more offensive linemen, more great tackles. You usually got to get those guys in the first round.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-26 in Pittsburgh.