{"id":585719,"date":"2026-04-04T21:08:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:08:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/585719\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T21:08:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:08:08","slug":"cleveland-browns-2026-nfl-draft-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/585719\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL Draft Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Cleveland Browns are making history by converting their Dawg Pound into a doggy daycare.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Three starting quarterbacks, one of whom is followed by a camera crew. A new head coach who sent defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz packing. The reigning DPOY <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/G\/GarrMy00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Myles Garrett;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Myles Garrett&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Myles Garrett<\/a> is <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/myles-garrett-ghosts-browns-todd-045310407.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:ghosting;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;ghosting&quot;}\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ghosting<\/a> the team. A long list of continual heartaches for the faithful Browns fans.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>However, not all hope is lost. The Browns signed guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/J\/JohnZi00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Zion Johnson;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Zion Johnson&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Zion Johnson<\/a> on a three-year, $49.5 million deal. Additionally, their trade for tackle <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HowaTy00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Tytus Howard;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Tytus Howard&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Tytus Howard<\/a> from the Texans solidifies a desperate offensive line. Not to mention the quick signing of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/W\/WillQu01.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Quincy Williams;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Quincy Williams&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Quincy Williams<\/a> to replace <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=BushDe01,BushDe20&amp;search=Devin+Bush&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Devin Bush;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Devin Bush&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Devin Bush<\/a>, the only defensive starter to enter free agency.<\/p>\n<p>Browns Draft Picks:<\/p>\n<p>Despite their overhaul of the offensive line, the Browns still need more depth and talent. Thankfully, their 2026 draft may very well be the difference maker, with five picks in the first four rounds:<\/p>\n<p>Browns Positions of Need:<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the crucial role of a new head coach, GM Andrew Berry knows that it\u2019s been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clevelandbrowns.com\/news\/andrew-berry-talks-draft-outlook-free-agency-and-more-at-the-nfl-combine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:\u201cfast and furious\u201d;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;\u201cfast and furious\u201d&quot;}\" class=\"link \">\u201cfast and furious\u201d<\/a> getting ready for the NFL draft. With a pitiful wide receiver room and an offensive line that is starting anew, the Browns have clear needs in these areas:<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Key Draft Targets for Browns:\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/makai-lemon-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_cfb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Makai Lemon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Makai Lemon&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Makai Lemon<\/a>\u2013 Wide Receiver\u2013USC\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, Makai Lemon, is a high-profile wide receiver who would change the Browns\u2019 offense. With <a href=\"https:\/\/brownswire.usatoday.com\/story\/sports\/nfl\/browns\/2026\/03\/12\/browns-makai-lemon-2026-nfl-draft-visit\/89119193007\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:over 1,100 yards;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;over 1,100 yards&quot;}\" class=\"link \">over 1,100 yards<\/a> and 11 touchdowns, Lemon is an explosive slot receiver.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Although he may not be the biggest receiver on the pitch, his speed makes up for it. Lemon is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/players\/2026\/makai-lemon\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:ranked;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;ranked&quot;}\" class=\"link \">ranked<\/a> as the 13th overall prospect in the 2026 class and represents a prime target for the Browns.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/monroe-freeling-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_cfb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Monroe Freeling;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Monroe Freeling&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Monroe Freeling<\/a> \u2013 OT \u2013 Georgia\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Arguably the best tackle prospect in the draft, Monroe Freeling could excel as a starter in Cleveland. With a surprising 90 athleticism score in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/prospects\/monroe-freeling\/32004652-4513-6741-dc94-a0bffd434894\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:combine;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;combine&quot;}\" class=\"link \">combine<\/a>, Freeling would add much-needed length and dexterity.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Freeling is consistently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/players\/2026\/monroe-freeling\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:mocked;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;mocked&quot;}\" class=\"link \">mocked<\/a> within the top 20 selections and will undoubtedly go in the first round.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/caleb-lomu-1.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-03_cfb\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Caleb Lomu;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Caleb Lomu&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Caleb Lomu<\/a> \u2013 OT \u2013 Utah\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another athletic offensive lineman,\u00a0Caleb Lomu, ran an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/videos\/caleb-lomu-runs-40-yard-dash-at-2026-combine\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:unbelievable 4.99;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;unbelievable 4.99&quot;}\" class=\"link \">unbelievable 4.99<\/a> 40-yard dash. An All-Big 12 first-team player with <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/utah-offensive-tackle-caleb-lomu-230312612.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:zero sacks;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;zero sacks&quot;}\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">zero sacks<\/a> allowed in the 2025 season, Lomu is an immovable object.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>With the addition of Lomu, the Browns would excel in both the run and pass game. The Browns will need to aggressively pursue Lomu, who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/players\/2026\/caleb-lomu\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:projects;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;projects&quot;}\" class=\"link \">projects<\/a> as a first-round talent, to send him to Cleveland.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/theleadsm.com\/cleveland-browns-2026-nfl-draft-preview\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL Draft Preview;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL Draft Preview&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Cleveland Browns 2026 NFL Draft Preview<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/theleadsm.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Lead;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;The Lead&quot;}\" class=\"link \">The Lead<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Cleveland Browns are making history by converting their Dawg Pound into a doggy daycare.\u00a0 Three starting quarterbacks,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":585720,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[64,63,1238,176417,157200,16820,593,158818,150859,85,5359,8543,213915,242716],"class_list":{"0":"post-585719","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-cleveland-browns","11":"tag-devin-bush","12":"tag-makai-lemon","13":"tag-myles-garrett","14":"tag-nfl","15":"tag-offensive-line","16":"tag-quincy-williams","17":"tag-sports","18":"tag-texans","19":"tag-the-browns","20":"tag-tytus-howard","21":"tag-zion-johnson"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=585719"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585719\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/585720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=585719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=585719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=585719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}