Browns’ Draft picks 2026: Cleveland Browns Prioritize Protection and Playmaking in 2026 Draft Haul

BROWNS 2026 DRAFT RECAP: Cleveland Browns select OT Spencer Fano and WR KC Concepcion in the first round. Detailed breakdown of trades with 49ers and Chargers, plus scouting reports on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Denzel Boston.

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear directive from General Manager Andrew Berry: rebuild the wall and revitalize the aerial attack. By the conclusion of Friday night’s festivities in Pittsburgh, the Browns had turned heads by securing two first-round cornerstones and executing a flurry of trades to stockpile versatile talent across the board.

From the technical brilliance of a new left tackle to a “ball-hawk” safety from Toledo, the Browns’ 2026 class looks to be a masterclass in roster reconstruction following a challenging 5-12 campaign.

The Wall in the North: Spencer Fano at No. 9

After a strategic trade-down from the sixth spot, the Browns found their man at No. 9 in Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. Fano, a 37-game starter for the Utes, represents a massive investment in protecting the pocket. During his 2025 collegiate season, Fano was statistically perfect in pass protection over 822 offensive snaps, allowing zero sacks and zero hits to his quarterback.

“I feel prepared to step in,” Fano said shortly after the selection. “Cleveland is a blue-collar town that values the guys in the trenches, and that’s exactly who I am.” With several veteran linemen hitting free agency, Fano is expected to compete immediately for the starting left tackle position.

The Texas Connection: KC Concepcion Joins the Corps

Cleveland wasn’t done in the first round. At pick No. 24, the Browns snagged Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. A versatile playmaker who totaled 919 yards and nine touchdowns for the Aggies last season, Concepcion brings a “dog” mentality to a room already featuring Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.

“I’m versatile. I make plays. I can play anywhere,” Concepcion told reporters. “Whenever I get there, you guys are going to be getting a dog all over the field.” His ability to run any route and contribute in the return game makes him a Day 1 utility weapon for Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

Day 2: Aggression and Value

The Browns’ front office remained aggressive through the second and third rounds, utilizing draft capital to move up for high-priority targets.

The move for Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 58 was particularly notable. Cleveland traded picks 70 and 107 to the San Francisco 49ers to jump up and grab the Toledo product. Assistant GM Catherine Hickman praised his “size and athleticism,” noting that the Browns had been eyeing the safety since the Combine. “Ball hawk is definitely in the description,” Hickman said. “He’s someone that’s going to give us options.”

Strategy: The Berry Blueprint

The addition of both Fano and Austin Barber (No. 86) signals a drastic shift in the Browns’ philosophy toward the offensive line. By acquiring Tytus Howard in a pre-draft trade and then doubling down on rookie tackles, Cleveland has effectively replaced a significant portion of a unit that saw six players enter free agency this spring.

The draft also addressed the “lack of explosive depth” cited by analysts mid-season. With Denzel Boston joining Concepcion, the Browns have added 29 combined collegiate touchdowns of production to their receiving corps in a single weekend.

What’s Next?

As the draft enters its final rounds on Saturday, the Browns still hold a handful of late-round picks (including No. 148 and No. 152) acquired through their various trades with the Giants and 49ers. With the foundation of the 2026 class set, the focus now shifts to training camp, where the “Buckeye State” products—like McNeil-Warren—will look to prove they can turn Cleveland’s fortune around.

ANALYSIS: Why the Browns Traded Up for Emmanuel McNeil-Warren