Browns 3-round mock draft according to PFF simulator

The Cleveland Browns they were often known for NFL draft throughout the 21st century, often for the wrong reasons. The team became notorious for choosing large bust designs. They’ve also had the first overall pick on numerous occasions, and have had mixed results with the top pick.

Their experience in the 2025 draft was interesting as they walked away with two rookie running backs: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. No first-year quarterback has established himself as a franchise signal-caller, and the team could end up snagging another gunslinger, especially since they’ll be picking near the top of the draft board again in 2026 after a disappointing year.

Regardless of how the Browns feel about their current quarterback situation, the team actually had a pretty successful 2025 NFL Draft process. They went with Mason Graham with the fifth pick, Carson Schwessinger could end up as a Defensive Rookie of the Yearand Quinshawn Judkins was one of the best first-year offensive linemen before going down with a season-ending injury. Harold Fannin even emerged as a potential star.

The Browns will need a similarly impressive draft if they want to escape the status of the league’s lowest population. Fortunately, as has often been the case over the years, Cleveland has tons of capital. They have two first-round selections and a total of four picks within the first 67 picks of the draft. So let’s take a look at the A PFF mockup of what Cleveland can do in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Positions of need for the Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft

The the first pick will likely be either the Las Vegas Raiders or the New York Giants. However, the Browns will likely pick soon after. They have many needs to address. As mentioned earlier, that’s no guarantee Cleveland will move forward with any of its first-year quarterbacks. Elite KB prospects are always selected near the top of the draft, so the Browns may not be able to afford to pass on a signal caller while they’re up there.

Whoever throws the football will need a beefed-up offensive line. Cleveland hasn’t been able to keep their quarterbacks upright this year, so they will need upgrades at both guard and tackle. The quarterback prospect will also need some help catching passes. Harold Fannin occasionally lines up outside, but he’s in a tight spot. There aren’t many great receivers on offense.

Jerry Jewdy is a superb route runner, but he has never lived up to expectations. Isaiah Bond and Cedric Tillman are solid, but could be more complementary pieces. The Browns should draft another receiver in 2026. Offense is a priority, but they should also look for help on defense in the form of a pass-rushing partner to pair up against Myles Garrett. Teams are forced to double or triple draft the future Defensive Player of the Year. If they couldn’t do it because there was another elite performer on Cleveland’s defensive front, Garrett could put up video game-like numbers.

Browns improve passing attack, trenches in shutdown simulator

2026 NFL Draft Simulator Results

• KB Fernando Mendoza – Indiana – 3rd overall
• OT Caleb Lomu – 27th overall
• VR Elijah Sarratt – Indiana – 35th overall
• CB AJ Harris – Penn State – 67th overall

The PFF Draft Simulator proves the Browns may not be comfortable moving forward with their current quarterback situation. Fernando Mendoza is seen by many as the number one pick, so Cleveland would have to grab him if he falls to pick three. The Indiana’s quarterback won the Heisman Trophyand as his next goal he has a national championship in college football.

The The Browns have already had 42 different starting quarterbacks this century, but the team has to keep swinging until it gets the most important position in football. Mendoza has the skills to finally end the revolving door at the position. He has an incredibly high football IQ. Mendoza also has three levels of accuracy. His arm strength is not generational, but it is enough. Mendoza could very well increase his draft stock more than it already is with a great run in the college playoffs.

Regardless of who plays the football in Cleveland, the team will need to rebuild the offensive line to ensure their quarterback can stay upright. Often this year, Sanders and Gabriel have spent more time avoiding pressure than looking downfield. While Mendoza has great presence in the pocket and the ability to carry shots down the field even when the pass rush is in his face, he would certainly be happy for the Browns to land one of the best offensive tackles in the draft. Lomu is positionally versatile, so he could also step inside if needed. That’s helpful for a Browns team that has holes all over the offensive line.

In the second round of this draft simulator, the Browns went after Eliam Sarat. The receiver out of Indiana is one of the best prospects at his position in this draft class, which is loaded with pass catchers. However, the move makes more sense as Mendoza and Sarat would remain on the same team. Having his favorite collegiate pass catchers on his NFL team would certainly make the transition to professional life easier for Mendoza.

The Browns are finally going defense in the third round. Despite being a bad team overall, and one that gave up some defensive talent, Cleveland actually has one of the best defense in the league. They even rank one in dog defense. That’s mostly because Garrett is one of the the best players in the NFL and on the right track yes breaking the single-season record. However, there are other weapons on defense, with Denzel Ward leading a solid secondary.

Ward previously made up one-third of an elite trio that also included Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome. Still, Emerson may never look the same after suffering an Achilles tear, and Newsome was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. AJ Harris would help solidify the cornerback unit in Cleveland to round out what would be an incredible draft class for the Browns.