The Cleveland Browns are in dire need of an infusion of playmakers on offense, and one prominent draft analyst believes help is coming in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cleveland’s offense struggled throughout last season, finishing near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. The Browns ranked 29th in yards per game (262.1) and 31st in points per game (16.4), struggling to generate explosive plays or sustain drives. A significant issue was the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver—a void that became even more apparent as rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders rotated in the lineup. Without a reliable top receiver, Cleveland’s passing attack rarely threatened opposing defenses.
### Browns Likely to Add a Top Wide Receiver in the First Round
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., a big fan of Shedeur Sanders, believes the Browns will aggressively address their offensive deficiencies. He projects Cleveland to go all-in on offense with its first two picks.
Kiper has the Browns selecting Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch with the No. 24 overall pick, a selection they acquired via a trade last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“No team saw less production from its wide receiver group in 2025 than the Browns. Their WR room totaled just 1,467 receiving yards, the lowest in the league and more than 100 yards shy of the next worst team, the Jets,” Kiper said. “For context, Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,793 yards) and Rams’ Puka Nacua (1,715 yards) each cleared that number on their own! Cleveland must get a true pass catcher.”
Branch is listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, but Kiper describes him as “electric.” “No one can catch him once he gets into space, and he has the ability to turn a quick pass into a big gain. Last season, Branch caught 81 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns.”
### Quarterback Situation Remains Uncertain
The Browns are not fully committed to Sanders as their long-term solution at quarterback. Sanders started seven games as a rookie, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Still, Cleveland could give him another chance next season—this time with a significantly improved supporting cast—before making a definitive decision on the position.
### Offensive Line Help Also Expected in First Round
Kiper’s latest mock draft projects the Browns using the No. 6 overall pick to select Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, addressing one of Cleveland’s most pressing roster needs.
The Browns could face significant offensive line turnover, as Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, and Ethan Pocic are all expected to hit free agency. Currently, Dawand Jones is the lone projected returner, but he is coming off a season-ending knee injury that limited him to just three games in 2025.
Kiper praises Fano’s versatility and consistency: “Over 37 career games and 36 starts, Fano allowed just four sacks, with the most recent coming in Week 1 of the 2024 season. He played on both sides at Utah and possesses the size, power, and technique to excel at either tackle spot.”
He added that the team’s free-agent uncertainty on the line makes the pick a logical fit. “With Cam Robinson and Jack Conklin both free agents, I could see Cleveland pairing Fano with Dawand Jones—who is returning from injury—as they try to improve their middle-of-the-road pass protection.”
### Shoring Up the Offensive Line a Top Priority
Protecting the quarterback will be essential if the Browns’ offense is going to take the next step forward. Cleveland struck gold in the 2025 draft with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, but reinforcing the offensive line will be crucial heading into next season.
With potential impact players like Branch and Fano projected to join the roster, Browns fans have reason to be optimistic about a brighter offensive future in 2026.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/cleveland-browns/electric-zachariah-branch-pair-shedeur-sanders/