The Cleveland Browns go into the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round picks, which should make things easier for them. But it doesn’t, not really. At No. 6 and No. 24, they have more than enough options to address their biggest needs. But the puzzle is, what do they care about fixing first?
Cleveland Browns First-Round Decision: Carnell Tate vs. Francis Mauigoa and Monroe Freeling
In PFSN’s mock draft simulator, offensive tackle is the most selected position at 44.1%. Wide receiver is right behind at 36%. So the need on the line is not being ignored.
But the most selected individual player is not a tackle. It’s Carnell Tate at 11.8%. Francis Mauigoa follows at 9.5%, and Monroe Freeling at 9.4%. So even with the logic pointing one way, there is still a pull in the other direction.
While fixing the offensive line is less exciting, it has been a problem for a while now. Eight different left tackles in three seasons and a 45.5% pressure rate in 2025. That is not something you can scheme around, as it shows up too often.
Cleveland brought in Tytus Howard to help on the right side, which should settle things there. The left side is still open, considering that Dawand Jones is going through injuries. Mauigoa might make a good fit, given his PFSN scouting report:
PFSN Grade: 88.91
PFSN Rank: 15
He is 6’6″, 335 pounds, and plays with good balance. His hands and anchor hold, and he rarely loses control of reps. There’s been some discussion about whether his length could translate better inside, but nevertheless, he holds up at tackle.
Freeling is a little different, given his scouting profile.
PFSN Grade: 88.35
PFSN Rank: 28
He is around 6’7″ and moves well for his size. His technique still needs work, as his hand usage is not as clean, but his physical traits are hard to overlook.
Then there’s Tate’s scouting report.
PFSN Grade: 90.62
PFSN Rank: 7
His jump from 2024 to 2025 is big. In 2024, he had 52 catches for 733 yards and 4 touchdowns at Ohio State. You could see the ability, but it was not fully put together yet.
In 2025, the details improved as his routes got sharper, his timing looked better, and he became more balanced, creating separation. He garnered 875 yards with 9 touchdowns.
He will keep on winning downfield, but he is more reliable underneath now, too.
His 28.2% catch rate over expectation backs that up. He’s strong in contested situations and tracks the ball well. He is not going to generate a lot after the catch, but that is not what will be asked of him.
He works well as a split end, similar to George Pickens. And that is something Cleveland doesn’t have. Jerry Jeudy is there, but he isn’t drawing coverage the same way. Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond are still developing into their roles.
So it comes back to the same decision. Do you deal with the thing that has been breaking plays? Or do you add something that changes how defenses line up against you?
