New Browns Rumors Reveal Surprise Target at No. 6 in 2026 NFL Draft amid Carnell Tate Buzz

One year after pulling off a surprise by trading the No. 2 pick, the Cleveland Browns could make another shocking move early in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Per ESPN's Jordan Reid, people in the league feel like Cleveland "really likes" Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor and could take him with its first pick at No. 6 overall.

The Browns have two first-round picks (No. 6 and 24) to address their holes at offensive tackle and wide receiver, but which one comes first might depend on how they view the depth at those positions.

Reid noted if the Browns are concerned about the pass-catching options that might be available later in the round, they could go after Ohio State's Carnell Tate with the first pick.

Utah's Spencer Fano and Georgia's Monroe Freeling were cited by Reid as tackle options for the Browns early in the round if they don't like the depth in the back end of Round 1.

There's no wrong direction for Cleveland to go because its roster, particularly on offense, is so devoid of talent across that board that anything general manager Andrew Berry wants to do will make sense.

Proctor's athletic testing at the NFL scouting combine was very good, with elite size and high-end explosiveness.

The main criticism of Proctor, who ranks No. 37 overall on B/R's big board, is that his form lacks of consistency and leaves him vulnerable against defenders.

Tate has been a popular pick for the Browns in mock drafts, including from B/R's NFL scouting department. He would almost certainly slot in immediately as a starter on the outside, along with Jerry Jeudy and tight end Harold Fanin to give them a good trio of pass-catchers.

All five of Cleveland's starters along the offensive line last season are gone. The front office did a good job of filling those spots via trades and free agency, bringing in Zion Johnson, Teven Jenkins amd Tytus Howard. Teven Jenkins, who made four starts, returned on a one-year contract.

Dawand Jones, who is the projected starter at left tackle, opened last season as a starter before suffering a knee injury in Week 3 that knocked him out for the year.

Proctor has plenty of upside to bet on him being a high-level starter with proper coaching, but if that's worth the No. 6 pick where you would hope for more certainty is a debate the Browns will have with themselves for the next two weeks.

The 2026 NFL draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.