New Browns Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Picks

The Cleveland Browns are one of the five teams with two first-round picks after the Jaguars traded up to take Travis Hunter last year. That gives a franchise in desperate need of talent extra resources to construct its roster.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Browns to do with the No. 6 and No. 24 picks:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selections (No. 6 & 24): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama & WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Kadyn Proctor

The Cleveland Browns have to ask themselves a simple question once they're on the board with the sixth overall pick with another slotted later in the first round: Will they get more value drafting the top offensive tackle or wide receiver with their initial selection?

Obviously, the answer is provided. The wide receiver position is always deep and contributors can always be found later. The same can't be said of a long-term blindside protector.

"The Browns have been connected to Alabama's Kadyn Proctor leading up to the draft," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "Considering his elite physical traits and the team's current hole at left tackle, this move makes the most sense.

"Cleveland revamped its line at guard and right tackle via free agency or trade, leaving left tackle as a massive need. Proctor possesses rare explosiveness at 350-plus pounds. While he needs to clean up his technique to fulfill his potential, the Browns' staff has a quality veteran line coach in George Warhop and a solid left guard in Zion Johnson to help."

Omar Cooper

The Cleveland Browns will enter this year's draft with two glaring holes within their roster and two first-round picks to address them.

The team already landed its new left tackle in Kadyn Proctor. Now, it needs another threat at wide receiver. In this case, Jerry Jeudy could (and probably should) take a step back and no longer be viewed as Cleveland's WR1 due to his inconsistencies.

Whereas, Omar Cooper Jr. became Fernando Mendoza's favorite target and made so many big plays during Indiana's magical 2025 campaign.

"Cooper is a tough run-after-catch receiver with 4.4 speed and the ability to high-point passes," B/R scout Damian Parson said. "The national championship-winning wide receiver has the upside to develop into the Browns' top threat in head coach Todd Monken's offense."

 

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selections (No. 12, 20 after projected trade with Dallas, & 24): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, WR Denzel Boston, Washington, & CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selections (No. 6 & 24): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State & OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selections (No. 6 & 24): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State & CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selections (No. 6 & 24): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia & Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selections (No. 6 & 24): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State & OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selections (No. 12, 20 after projected trade with Dallas, & 24): OT Spencer Fano, Utah, WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M, & S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selections (No. 6 & 24): OT Spencer Fano, Utah & WR Makai Lemon, USC

Summary

Adding skill position players and offensive linemen will likely be the early focus for the Browns, especially with new head coach Todd Monken needing to address several personnel concerns. Quarterback isn't an ideal option at either pick, so targeting a pass-catcher and an offensive tackle are sensible moves for where they are at.