NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Cleveland Browns are under new leadership on the sidelines, but it appears the front office is still up to its old tricks. While the team was not successful last season, finishing with a record of 5-12, the Browns still have a slight bit of momentum heading into the 2026 season. The reason for that is Myles Garrett and the defense. However, the eyes will be on what happens on the offensive side of the ball.
During free agency, the Cleveland Browns made no significant moves. Yes, their offensive line is a huge mess, but where are the skilled players? The Browns cut TE David Njoku, but still have Harold Fannin. But on the wide receiver side, it’s just Jerry Jeudy. His days of being labeled a true No.1 are over. The Browns must upgrade that position, not just for the stats, but also to determine their QB situation.
Last season, the Browns did the unthinkable and drafted 2 QBs in Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. While both players had time under center, it was hard to grade them because of who they were throwing to. With that in mind, the Browns front office must attack the draft like madmen and get whoever will be starting some weapons.
Since free agency is a wash for receivers, they must find their help in the draft. A team should always have a veteran and at least two young receivers. Juedy can be that bridge for the youngins, and despite his struggles, Jeudy can still produce. But who should they go after in the draft? Well, it depends. See, what most NFL fans believe is that a player not taken in the first round will not become a star. However, receivers should be the exception here.
Look at Cooper Kuup. He was drafted in the 7th round. Is he not a star? Puka Nacu went in the 5th. George Pickens was a 2nd-rounder, and the same can be said for AJ Brown and Nico Collins, who were drafted in the 3rd. What about Tee Higgins, who went in the 2nd as well Amon-Ra St. Brown, who went in the 4th. It’s not about where they were taken; it’s about the systems and their work ethic.
The Browns must do their homework because they are in dire need to upgrade the receiver room. It doesn’t matter what QB they bring into or already have in the organization; they will need someone on the other end of those throws catching the ball and making moves. It doesn’t matter if Sanders, Gabriel, or someone else gets the starting nod; they will need targets.
The Cleveland Browns will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 7 picks in the first 5 rounds. That’s more than enough to grab at least 2 pass catchers in a draft that’s expected to be receiver-heavy. Losing sucks, but the Browns have a chance to turn things around in 2026. It all begins with this upcoming draft and the front office making the best decisions.
