Browns Draft Star WR, OT for Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB Battle in New Kiper, ESPN NFL Mock

The Cleveland Browns emphasized the offensive side in the newest three-round mock draft from a panel of ESPN experts.

Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates all went through making the first 100 picks of the 2026 NFL draft.

Miller had the Browns take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 6, with Yates bolstering the offensive line with Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 24. Reid strengthened the unit further with Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon in the second round.

Cleveland still has plenty of question marks at quarterback with Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel all vying for the job. The draft is at least a chance to strengthen other areas of the offense, setting the table for the current starter or an eventual replacement in 2027.

The signs are pointing toward the Browns maintaining the status quo when it comes to their QB room.

Kirk Cousins is on his way to the Las Vegas Raiders, which takes another free agent off the board. And while Cleveland is performing its due diligence on Alabama's Ty Simpson, he's far from a consensus choice in the first round.

Simpson was a second-rounder in the ESPN mock, and he went 26th to the Arizona Cardinals in Bleacher Report's newest projection.

Browns fans have seen enough attempted rebuilds to last a lifetime, and the franchise can't keep wasting the prime years of star edge-rusher Myles Garrett. Treading water at quarterback might be the best long-term approach, though.

Having gotten a season under their belts, Sanders or Gabriel could take a big step forward under new head coach Todd Monken. If nothing else, it's worth it to see if either has improved to the point they can be a solid solution in 2027 and beyond.

Shedeur 60-Yd TD Pass ⌚

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Whoever is QB1 in Cleveland, the haul from ESPN's mock would put them on stronger footing.

The Browns allowed the seventh-most sacks (51) in 2025. The arrivals of Proctor and Pregnon would continue the O-line overhaul after the team added Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins.

The need for a true No. 1 receiver is glaring as well after tight end Harold Fannin finished last year as the leading pass-catcher (72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns). Lemon would be a big upgrade to the aerial attack.