Cleveland Browns Enter 2026 NFL Draft with Rare Ammo - and Real Expectations
For Browns fans, the NFL Draft has long been more than just a springtime tradition. It’s been a lifeline.
A chance to dream. And with the 2026 NFL Draft set to kick off April 23 in Pittsburgh, there’s a different kind of energy brewing in Cleveland - one that feels a little more grounded in possibility than in pipe dreams.
Let’s be honest: the Browns haven’t exactly been the gold standard for draft success over the years. Missed picks, revolving doors at key positions, and front office turnover have made the draft feel like a yearly reset button rather than a launchpad.
But something shifted last year. Cleveland’s 2025 draft class showed real promise, and now the Browns are armed with one of the most valuable draft arsenals in the league heading into April.
Browns Boast Top-3 Draft Capital in 2026
According to Tankathon's Draft Power Rankings - which use data from The Harvard Sports Analysis Collective to assign value to every draft pick - the Browns hold the No. 3 overall draft capital in 2026. That’s not based on draft order alone, but on the combined value of each pick. Cleveland’s 10 total picks - including Nos. 6, 24, 39, and 70 - add up to 1,206.0 points, trailing only the Jets (1,359.3) and Raiders (1,220.6).
That’s a serious haul. And it puts Cleveland in a rare position: not just to draft for need, but to potentially control the early narrative of the draft itself.
A New Era Begins with Todd Monken
The Browns' front office has already made one major move this offseason, parting ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski, ironically, now finds himself with the Atlanta Falcons - the team with the lowest draft capital this year. Atlanta holds just five picks, and none until No. 48 in the second round.
In his place, Cleveland has turned to Todd Monken, a coach known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop talent. Monken steps into a situation with young defensive stars already emerging - and now, the draft capital to reshape the offense.
Building on Defensive Success
Last year’s draft focused heavily on the defensive side of the ball - and it paid off. Defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger were both early picks, and Schwesinger didn’t just make an impact - he made history, earning AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. That’s the kind of hit that can anchor a defense for years.
The Browns’ defense, once a liability, is now a unit with teeth. And that gives the front office the flexibility to turn its attention to the other side of the ball.
Offensive Overhaul on the Horizon?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the offense needs work. The line, in particular, is a concern.
Protection issues plagued the Browns throughout the season, and if Monken wants to install his system effectively, the team needs to invest early in the trenches. Don’t be surprised if Cleveland uses one of its top picks - maybe even No. 6 - on a lineman who can step in from Day 1.
There’s also a clear need for more firepower in the passing game. While tight end Harold Fannin was a bright spot in his rookie year - hauling in 73 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns - he can’t do it alone. The Browns will likely be eyeing wide receivers and tight ends early in the draft to complement Fannin and give whoever’s under center a more complete arsenal.
Hope with a Foundation
This time, the optimism in Cleveland doesn’t feel like wishful thinking. It feels earned. A strong 2025 draft, a new head coach with a clear vision, and a top-tier collection of picks in 2026 - it’s a recipe for momentum.
Yes, Browns fans have been here before. But this time, there’s a real sense that the team isn’t just chasing a dream - it’s building toward something sustainable. And if they can capitalize on this draft the way they did last year, the narrative in Cleveland might finally start to shift from “maybe next year” to “why not this year?”