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The Cleveland Browns came into the 2026 NFL offseason with about as clear a need as there was for any team in the entire league. While there were other needs on the roster, the Browns had to fill out essentially their entire offensive line.
They've made four signings/trades, and now only need to fill out their left tackle spot. But, other than that position, the Browns also need to acquire a new wide receiver and some cornerback depth.
In Field Yates of ESPN's latest mock draft, a two-rounder, the Browns are predicted to fill their left tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback needs. However, those needs will be filled in a slightly different order than normally predicted.
Browns predicted to take WR, OT, and CB in 2026 NFL Draft
With the Browns' first first-round pick at No. 6 overall, Yates has them taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. The explosive WR is the Browns' first pick, as Cleveland passes on an offensive tackle at this spot in the draft.
"He's versatile and can stretch the field for new coach Todd Monken, posting 875 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns," Yates writes. "No Browns receiver had over 650 receiving yards or two touchdowns last season."
While Yates predicts the Browns to pass on an OT at 6th overall, down the board at 24th overall, they land Utah's Caleb Lomu to be an instant starter at left tackle.
"Lomu is a balanced pass protector and an accurate striker in the run game," Yates writes. "He would fill a gigantic need for the Browns by sliding in next to the team's three recent O-line additions..."
After those two strong first-round picks, which would be the ideal outcome for Cleveland if they go wide receiver with their first first-round pick and an offensive tackle with their second first-rounder, the Browns have one second-round pick at 39th overall.
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With that 39th overall pick, Yates is predicting the Browns to draft South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse.
"Cornerback is a sneaky need for the Browns opposite five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward," Yates writes. "Cisse is a high-upside player who is comfortable getting up into press coverage and being physical with wide receivers at the point of attack."
Overall, Yates is predicting that the Browns will draft Carnell Tate 6th overall, Caleb Lomu 24th, and finally Brandon Cisse 39th overall in this two-round mock draft.
While there were other paths the Browns could've taken with their second-round pick, Cisse helps fill a "sneaky need" alongside their two obvious holes at left tackle and wide receiver, both of which Yates filled in the first round of this mock draft.
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