The Cleveland Browns enter the 2026 NFL Draft in a position that could quietly reshape the franchise’s trajectory. After a turbulent 2025 season, they hold valuable draft capital that gives the front office flexibility.
What makes them particularly intriguing this year is the sheer structure of their picks. Cleveland owns 9 total selections, highlighted by two first-round picks at No. 6 and No. 24 overall, the latter acquired in a previous trade with Jacksonville.
That dual presence on Day 1 instantly places them among the most influential teams in the opening round, with the ability to target cornerstone players on both sides of the ball or package assets for a blockbuster move.
Which picks do the Browns have in the 2026 NFL Draft?
- Round 1: No. 6, No. 24 (from Jaguars)
- Round 2: No. 39
- Round 3: No. 70
- Round 4: No. 107
- Round 5: No. 146
- Round 5: No. 149 (via Bengals)
- Round 6: No. 206 (via Bears)
- Round 7: No. 248 (via Seahawks)
Cleveland’s draft capital blends high-end assets and mid-round depth, a combination that gives general manager Andrew Berry significant flexibility. Whether the strategy is to target elite talent early or build depth across multiple positions, they are positioned to be one of the most active teams in the draft.
Why do the Browns have two first-round picks in 2026?
The Browns have two first-round picks in 2026 because they acquired an extra selection from the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 2025 draft-day trade. The deal traces back to the 2025 NFL Draft, when they traded down from the No. 2 overall pick.
Myles Garrett celebrates after breaking the NFL single-season sack record in 2026 (Source: Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
In that move, they sent their top selection (along with additional mid-round picks) to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for multiple assets—including a future 2026 first-round pick.
That trade allowed Jacksonville to move up and select a premier prospect (Travis Hunter), while Cleveland prioritized long-term draft capital over a single high pick.
This kind of strategy reflects a broader front-office philosophy under general manager Andrew Berry: accumulate assets, stay flexible and create multiple pathways to build the roster.
Instead of committing to one player at No. 2 in 2025, Cleveland effectively turned that opportunity into two first-rounders across consecutive drafts, a move that continues to pay off heading into 2026.
Could the Browns trade their 2026 draft picks?
The Cleveland Browns can trade their 2026 draft picks, and current reports strongly suggest they are open to doing so. Under NFL rules, teams are allowed to trade draft picks up to three years into the future, which includes all selections.
They have consistently embraced a flexible, trade-heavy strategy, prioritizing value and long-term assets over staying locked into one draft slot. That philosophy is already visible in how they acquired their extra first-round pick.
Leading up to the draft, Berry has openly indicated that the team is willing to move off the No. 6 overall pick if the right offer comes along. With two first-round selections (No. 6 and No. 24), Cleveland is in a rare position to:
- Trade up for a quarterback (unlikely) or elite prospect
- Trade down to accumulate additional picks
- Package selections to acquire proven veterans
League-wide projections and mock drafts reinforce that idea. The Browns have already been identified as a team likely to actively explore trades in the first round, either moving up for a top target or sliding back to maximize value.
