As NFL teams gear up for the draft, the buzz around top-30 visits is palpable. For those not in the loop, each franchise gets 30 chances to host prospects at their headquarters before the big day. These visits are crucial for interviews and any additional medical checks teams might want to conduct.
Interestingly, local prospects or those who attended nearby schools don't count toward this limit. So, how vital are these pre-draft meetings?
In the fiercely competitive NFL landscape, teams use these visits strategically. Some franchises focus on vetting players with potential red flags, while others might bring in players they realistically can’t draft, just to gather intel.
Remember last year when everyone knew Cam Ward was going No. 1?
The Browns, Giants, and Raiders invited him anyway.
Then, there are teams like the Browns that genuinely use these sessions to delve deeper into players they’re interested in. Andrew Berry, the Browns' GM, has shown a clear pattern in his approach.
Over the last three drafts, the Browns have picked 20 players, with eight of them having had a top-30 visit to Cleveland. That’s a solid 40 percent. They’ve also signed undrafted free agents like Isaiah Bond and Javion Cohen, who had pre-draft visits with the team.
Moreover, three players who visited Cleveland pre-draft ended up elsewhere initially but found their way back to the Browns. These include Malachi Corley, Edefuan Ulofoshio, and Cameron Latu.
It’s clear that Andrew Berry values these personal interactions. Browns fans should pay attention to reports of rookies visiting Cleveland as the draft approaches.
As the process unfolds, the Browns have been busy hosting 2026 draft prospects. Linked to Cleveland so far are players like Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas, Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, among others.
Notably, five of these nine prospects are wide receivers, highlighting a significant need for the team. Simpson’s potential visit is stirring up rumors, thanks to his connections with Todd Monken.
The two defenders on the list, while not immediate needs, are highly regarded. Meanwhile, offensive tackle Markel Bell fits the mold of what Andrew Berry seems to prefer - towering and formidable. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 346 pounds, Bell draws comparisons to Dawand Jones.
While the Browns can’t snag all their intriguing visitors, it’s likely one of those wide receivers will soon be sporting the brown and orange. Bell also stands as a realistic later-round pick the Browns could target.