Browns Predicted to Double Up on WR in 2026 NFL Draft

Cleveland to target Indiana and Washington playmakers in early rounds

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:55pm

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In a two-round mock draft, The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman predict the Cleveland Browns will address their need for wide receiver help by selecting Denzel Boston from Washington in the first round and Elijah Sarratt from Indiana in the second round.

Why it matters

The Browns are heading into a pivotal offseason under new head coach Todd Monken, and they desperately need to upgrade their receiving corps to support their quarterback, whether that's Shedeur Sanders or another prospect. Doubling up on wide receivers early in the draft could provide a major boost to their offense.

The details

In the mock draft, the Browns are predicted to use their first-round pick (24th overall) on Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, a big-bodied receiver with great ball skills. Then in the second round (39th overall), they're expected to select Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who is coming off a 66-catch, 830-yard season with 15 touchdowns. The Browns are also projected to address their offensive line needs by taking Utah tackle Spencer Fano with their first pick.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' current quarterback, or potentially another quarterback prospect they may target in the draft.

Denzel Boston

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Washington who is predicted to be selected by the Browns in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Elijah Sarratt

A wide receiver prospect from Indiana University who is predicted to be selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Spencer Fano

An offensive tackle prospect from the University of Utah who is predicted to be selected by the Browns with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Trying to land QB2 in this draft class (whether it's Simpson or another prospect) should be on the table for Cleveland. If that doesn't work, though, landing Boston - a big receiver who runs like a smaller receiver (with great ball skills) - would be a fine alternative.”

— Scott Dochterman, The Athletic (The Athletic)

“Sarratt was one of Mendoza's top targets during the Hoosiers' championship run. The talented receiver has good size (6-3, 213) and executes well out of his breaks, but his greatest strength is his hands.”

— Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Browns will look to address their needs at wide receiver and offensive line through the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April.

The takeaway

By doubling up on wide receiver talent in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns have a chance to significantly upgrade their passing attack and provide their quarterback, whether it's Shedeur Sanders or another prospect, with the playmakers they need to succeed.