NFL Draft Speculation: ESPN Predicts Browns Climbing to No. 1 Pick in 2026 Mock Draft, Possibly through a Trade-Up Move
Forecasting the 2026 NFL Draft for Cleveland Browns: A Rearview Mirror to the Future
With the dust settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, the spotlight now shifts to next year's prospects. Predictions are swirling around the 2026 draft, and the Cleveland Browns are once again making headlines.
Following their move to trade back in the 2025 draft, ESPN forecasts the Browns to reverse course and trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 [1][5]. According to Jordan Reid, this trade would involve the Browns swapping places with the Tennessee Titans, who'd previously claimed the top spot in the 2025 draft. With the Browns in possession of the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2026 first-round pick, Reid predicts they will leveraged this as trade bait to secure the coveted No. 1 selection.
"Predictions put Tennessee in position for the top pick again," Reid wrote [1]. "While we can't be 100% certain who'll grab the No. 1 pick in 2026, the Browns possess two first-round selections following the 2025 draft-night trade with the Jaguars. So, I'm envisioning Cleveland inking a deal, trading their No. 3 overall pick and their 2027 first-rounder to grab the top spot" [1].
With the coveted No. 1 pick, Reid projects the Browns will take Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik [1], asset who boasts a polished passing game and potential for growth [1][5]. As always, it's impossible to predict the draft order so far in advance, but Klubnik is one of many early favorites [5]. Others tipped for the No. 1 spot include Texas' Arch Manning, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers [5].
If the Browns claim the top pick in 2026, they'll be making their first ever first selection since 2018 [1][5]. In 2018, they chose Baker Mayfield with the first pick, while the year prior, Myles Garrett went first overall [1].
Rewind: An Exciting 2025 NFL Draft for the Cleveland Browns
After trading the No. 2 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft to the Jaguars, the Browns didn't end up with Travis Hunter, as many had speculated. Instead, they selected Mason Graham with the No. 5 pick [5] and later took Hunter's college teammate, Shedeur Sanders, in the fifth round [5].
With one of the most intriguing draft classes of the year, the Browns' 2025 class certainly has the potential to create an impact in 2025. Cleveland spent a large chunk of their draft capital on offense, focusing on offensive skill players after targeting defense with their first two picks [5]. The newly acquired players include Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins, Dillon Gabriel, Harold Fannin Jr., and Dylan Sampson. The Browns boosted depth at both quarterback and running back positions with the acquisitions of two quarterbacks and two running backs [5].
The Browns' preseason training camp battles are sure to be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in the league, as the players fight for their spots in 2025.
Enrichment Data:
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Here are the latest predictions for the Cleveland Browns' 2026 first-round draft activity based on recent projections:
Trade-Up Scenario
Multiple outlets project the Browns to trade up for the No. 1 overall pick. ESPN’s mock suggests a deal with the Titans, sending Cleveland’s No. 3 and a 2027 first-rounder to secure Clemson QB Cade Klubnik, who is seen as a polished passer with upside [1][5]. However, this hinges on Klubnik declaring for the draft and Cleveland’s willingness to move aggressively despite recent QB investments.
Arch Manning Consideration
Fox Sports and SI.com list Texas QB Arch Manning as a potential target if he declares. Manning, a 6'4" standout, could be the Browns’ preferred choice, but skepticism exists about his decision to leave Texas early [2][3]. Cleveland recently drafted QBs Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2025, complicating their 2026 strategy.
Offensive Line Focus
SI.com’s mock also links the Browns to Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor if they retain their original pick (outside the top five). Proctor, a dominant left tackle, would address their offensive line needs [3].
Key Variables:- QB Development: Klubnik/Manning’s 2025 college seasons.- Trade Assets: Cleveland holds two 2026 first-rounders (their own and Jacksonville’s) [1][5].- Draft Order: Predictions currently use betting-based projections, which could shift dramatically [1][3].
- The Cleveland Browns are predicted to trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially swapping places with the Tennessee Titans.
- Jordan Reid from ESPN speculates that the Browns will leverage their 2026 first-round pick, acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars, to trade for the top spot.
- If they acquire the No. 1 pick, the Browns may select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is touted for his polished passing game and potential for growth.
- Despite the Browns' recent investments in quarterbacks, Texas' Arch Manning is identified as another potential target if he declares for the draft.
- In a different scenario, the Browns may retain their original pick and select Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor to address their offensive line needs.
