Browns have perfect chance to help Shedeur Sanders with first-round picks in 2026 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns had a few clear needs coming into the offseason. Through the first week, those needs have been narrowed down a good bit.

After adding Tytus Howard, Teven Jenkins, Elgton Jenkins, and Zion Johnson, the Browns only need a left tackle along the offensive line. Cleveland also needs another wide receiver to pair with Jerry Jeudy.

As ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi outlined, the Browns have the perfect opportunity to resolve both of those needs and help Shedeur Sanders in 2026, in the upcoming first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Browns have perfect chance to land LT, WR in 2026 draft

"The Browns eschewed heavily pursuing some of the top free agent quarterback options," Oyefusi writes. "So that leaves two positions. The draft is the logical spot for the Browns to address those needs with their two first-round picks (No. 6 and No. 24)."

After passing on a lot of the top quarterbacks, like Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, and Malik Willis, in free agency, the Browns look poised to head into 2026 with Shedeur Sanders as the likely starter.

After the first week of the offseason, the Browns have two clear needs: a new left tackle and a wide receiver. With their two first-round picks, thanks to the trade-down in last year's draft with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns have two first-rounders.

Cleveland picks at No. 6 and No. 24 in the upcoming draft. With those two picks, the Browns will have plenty of options to improve their left tackle and wide receiver spots. Though there will likely be different options at both spots in the draft.

At No. 6 overall, the Browns will have tackle options in Miami's Francis Mauigoa, Utah's Spencer Fano, and Georgia's Monroe Freeling. At WR, Ohio State's Carnell Tate, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and USC's Makai Lemon are options at No. 6.

More: Zion Johnson agrees to $49.5 million contract with Browns

Tyson or Lemon has a chance to make it to No. 24, but neither is a likely candidate to fall that far. That isn't to say there aren't options.

At No. 24, Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., Texas A&M's KC Concepcion, Washington's Denzel Boston, and Louisville's Chris Bell are wide receiver options.

If the Browns want to land a tackle at No. 24, Clemson's Blake Miller, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, Arizona State's Max Iheanachor, and Utah's Caleb Lomu could be available.

Regardless of whether they go after a WR or LT at No. 6, the other position they initially pass on will be available at No. 24.

The Browns need both a left tackle and a wide receiver to best support Sanders, and with both first-round picks, the Browns have the perfect chance to help their second-year quarterback.

Sanders should be getting some major help this offseason, and the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft is the perfect opportunity for Cleveland to land a new LT and WR.

More Browns news:

• Rasheed Walker linked to Cleveland amid $80 million contract projection
• ESPN does not like Tytus Howard trade for Cleveland
• Browns trade for offensive tackle Tytus Howard from Texans
• Cornelius Lucas released to save $2M by Browns
• Browns agree to deals with Elgton Jenkins and Teven Jenkins
• Devin Bush leaves Browns for Bears on $30 million contract