The Cleveland Browns may not have made the deep playoff run fans were dreaming of, but there’s no denying they struck gold with their rookie class this past season. That group gave the franchise a much-needed infusion of young talent-and, perhaps just as importantly, it may have bought GM Andrew Berry a little more time to get this roster where it needs to be.
Now comes the hard part: doing it again.
With 10 total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft-including two in the first round and five in the first four rounds-Berry and the Browns front office are sitting on a golden opportunity. The foundation is there.
The needs are clear. And the pressure?
It’s very real.
According to draft analyst Nick Baumgardner, the Browns could be looking to knock out two of their biggest roster holes right out of the gate: offensive tackle and wide receiver. In his latest projection, Baumgardner has Cleveland selecting Miami OT Francis Mauigoa at No. 6 overall, followed by USC wideout Makai Lemon with the 24th pick (acquired from Jacksonville).
Let’s break down why that pairing might be exactly what the Browns need-and why it could reshape their offense in a hurry.
Francis Mauigoa: A Day-One Anchor on the Offensive Line
Mauigoa is a name that’s been climbing draft boards for months, and for good reason. Alongside Spencer Fano, he’s considered one of the top-tier, potentially generational offensive tackle prospects in this class. For a Browns team that’s been dealing with a revolving door at tackle, he could be the long-term answer they’ve been searching for.
With Cam Robinson headed for free agency and Dawand Jones struggling to stay healthy, Cleveland’s need at tackle is as pressing as any in the league. Mauigoa brings the kind of physical tools and technical polish that could allow him to step in and start on day one. He’s not just a mauler in the run game-though he’s plenty capable there-he’s also got the footwork and recovery ability to handle speed rushers off the edge.
And if the Browns decide to address left tackle elsewhere-through free agency or a trade-Mauigoa has the versatility to flip sides and hold down the right tackle spot. With Jack Conklin also battling injuries, that kind of flexibility is invaluable.
Bottom line: Mauigoa fits the mold of a cornerstone offensive lineman. He’s the kind of player who can protect your quarterback’s blindside for the next decade-and in Cleveland, that’s a role that desperately needs filling.
Makai Lemon: The Vertical Threat Cleveland’s Been Missing
While Mauigoa would shore up the protection, Makai Lemon could finally give the Browns the dynamic receiving threat they’ve lacked for years. Lemon is a playmaker in every sense of the word-a receiver who thrives in space, stretches the field vertically, and can turn a short throw into a game-breaking gain.
He’s drawn comparisons to Zay Flowers, and it’s easy to see why. Lemon is electric after the catch, with the kind of twitch and burst that keeps defensive backs on their heels. He runs sharp, sudden routes that create separation, particularly over the middle-a critical area in Todd Monken’s offense.
And let’s be honest: the Browns need a WR1. Jerry Jeudy hasn’t filled that role the way they hoped, and while rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has shown flashes, he’s not going to carry the passing game on his own. Lemon has the skill set to step in immediately and become the go-to option, regardless of who’s under center.
That last point is key. The quarterback situation in Cleveland remains a major question mark, and it’s going to stay that way until someone claims the job and runs with it.
But whoever lines up behind center in Week 1 is going to need two things: time to throw and reliable targets. Mauigoa and Lemon could check both boxes.
What This Draft Could Mean for the Browns
This isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about building an identity-something the Browns have struggled to do consistently on offense. With a healthy offensive line and a true No. 1 receiver, Cleveland can finally give its quarterback the tools to succeed in Monken’s system.
The 2026 draft is shaping up to be a defining moment for Andrew Berry’s tenure. He’s got the capital.
He’s got the needs clearly laid out. And if things fall the right way, he’s got a shot to walk away from Day 1 with two foundational players.
No pressure, right?
But in a league where windows open and close quickly, the Browns can’t afford to miss here. Mauigoa and Lemon aren’t just safe picks-they’re potential game-changers. And if Cleveland gets this right, the conversation around this franchise could start to shift in a big way.