Cleveland Browns 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft round-up: Surprise picks & bold predictions

The 2026 mock drafts are rolling in from NFL insiders across the country, and the Browns are all over the board in the first three rounds.

Some analysts see Cleveland doubling down on defense with a surprising early pick, while others project a bold swing at quarterback that could reshape the depth chart. There’s little consensus — and that’s what makes this year’s projections so intriguing.

Here’s a look at how a variety of national voices have the Browns attacking the first three rounds.

Round 1, No. 6

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6’3”, 195-lbs)

"There is something in that Buckeye pedigree that equates to precise route running. Maybe they look for awesome natural route runners, or they teach it better than anyone else -- or most likely both. I feel like a broken record saying it again this year, but the OSU guy is the best route runner in the draft." (Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network)

Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195-lbs)

“With his toughness and versatility as a pass-catcher, Lemon reminds me of Malik Nabers coming out of LSU -- and Nabers went sixth overall to the Giants in 2024. For any of the QBs on Cleveland's roster (Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson) to make progress in 2026, Cleveland's receiver corps requires a boost after just one wideout topped 338 receiving yards–Jerry Jeudy had 602 on 50 catches in 2025." (Chad Reuter, NFL.com)

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6’6”, 315-lbs)

“Mauigoa has good contact balance and a strong core. He delivers firm first contact but excessive leaning diminishes not only his leverage and sustain as a run blocker but also his ability to deal with spin counters when protecting. He’s good at trapping rushers at the turn and can smother their momentum. He has the footwork, anchor and punch timing to diversify his pass-set approach. He works with an innate feel for pocket depth and is rarely out-paced to the top by speed. He’ll be an early starter at right tackle but a move to guard could be on the table in the future.” (pick from The Athletic, profile via Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)

Round 1, No. 24 (via Jacksonville trade)

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6’7”, 366-lbs)

"Proctor is an enormous human. If the Browns can keep Dawand Jones healthy, they would have a massive duo at tackle." (Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network)

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6’6”, 308-lbs)

“Injuries have hampered Cleveland's offensive line the past few seasons, and free agent Jack Conklin might have played his last snap for the Browns. In this scenario, Lomu steps into the left tackle spot as a rookie, with the Browns hoping veteran Dawand Jones, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in September and has yet to play more than 11 games in any given year, can man the right side.” (Chad Reuter, NFL.com)

Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195-lbs)

“High-skill, high-volume slot receiver with average size but extraordinary ball skills. Lemon has room for refinement, but not much. He’s intelligent, confident and polished with the ability to make plays on all three levels. Tempo-driven route-runner who misdirects man coverage and separates out of turns but is fairly average after the catch. Quicker than fast, featuring early acceleration to open seam throws but flashes late burst when needed. More play strength is needed for NFL press. He’s an exceptional ball-tracker with excellent catch timing and few focus drops.” (pick from The Athletic, profile via Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)

More: Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson: Who wins the Browns QB job in 2026?

Round 2, No. 39

Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6’4”, 240-lbs)

"The Browns hit a home run with second-round middle linebacker Carson Schwesinger in the 2025 draft and could pair him with a top strongside linebacker in Golday, who had 104 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season." (Matt Miller, ESPN)

Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State (6’2”, 192-lbs)

“Igbinosun is projected to be a Day 2 selection, with teams recognizing his potential as a starting cornerback. His size, skills, and physicality make him an enticing prospect for teams running zone-heavy schemes. With continued development and focus on improving his technique, Igbinosun has the tools to evolve into a reliable and impactful player in the NFL. As he works on his off-man coverage comfort and ball production, Igbinosun has the opportunity to establish himself as a key contributor in the league” (pick from Chad Reuter of NFL.com, profile via nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6’1”, 205-lbs)

“Nussmeier took a clear step back, with 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions in nine games. He battled multiple injuries in 2025, including patellar tendinitis in his knee.

Nussmeier primarily operates from the pocket and plays with fearless anticipation. He throws accurately to spots in the intermediate game while showing an excellent gauge on route depth and where his receivers will finish on passing concepts. Nussmeier has a flexible arm, allowing him to easily alter his arm slots and ball trajectories to fit passes into spots. He navigates the pocket well, is aware of outlets and gets the ball out of his hand quickly.” (pick via The Athletic, profile from Jordan Reid, ESPN)

Round 3, No. 70

Fernando Carmona, OT, Arkansas (6’5”, 325-lbs)

"The Browns are expected to find multiple new tackles this offseason, thanks to the issues they have at the position. Carmona is a tough run blocker with some upside in pass protection." (via walterfootball.com)

Trey Zuhn III, C, Texas A&M (6’6”, 309-lbs)

“Across 209 true pass set snaps, Zuhn allowed only two sacks, one hit and seven hurries, giving him a 4.8% pressure rate that ranks seventh among the 32 tackles on the predictive big board.” (pick from Chad Reuter of NFL.com, profile via PFF)

Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5’10”, 185-lbs)

“Chandler Rivers started the season as a mid-round prospect but has risen in mock drafts during the year. He is now considered a third-round pick who has the skillset to raise some eyebrows at the combine. 

While Rivers may not have the high ceiling that Jaire Alexander had when he was selected in the first round out of Louisville in 2018, he shares a lot of the same skill sets. Both were star cornerbacks from the ACC who were able to shut down the opponent’s best receiver. Rivers has the competitiveness and fire to become a starting cornerback in the NFL.” (pick via The Athletic, profile from Draft Nation)

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