Browns Projected To Double Down On Major Draft Need

Cleveland Browns expected to use both first-round picks on offensive linemen in 2026 NFL Draft.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:15am

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The Cleveland Browns are facing a major rebuild of their offensive line this offseason, with five players who started multiple games potentially leaving in free agency. ESPN draft expert Daniel Jeremiah is predicting the Browns will use both of their first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on offensive linemen, selecting Utah tackle Spencer Fano at No. 6 overall and Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling at No. 24 overall.

Why it matters

The Browns' offensive line has been a strength in recent years, but with several key starters potentially departing, the team may need to completely rebuild that unit. Drafting two top offensive linemen in the first round could help solidify the line and provide long-term stability up front for the Browns' offense.

The details

Jeremiah believes the Browns should be 'hoping one of the top offensive tackles is available' at No. 6 overall, and he projects them to select Fano to start immediately. He then has the team adding Freeling at No. 24, giving them two potential starting offensive linemen in the first round. The Browns may be more likely to find a useful wide receiver later in the draft, as the position is thought to be particularly deep this year.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Spencer Fano

A tackle prospect from the University of Utah projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Monroe Freeling

A tackle prospect from the University of Georgia projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Dawand Jones

A Browns offensive lineman who has suffered season-ending injuries in each of his first three NFL seasons.

Joel Bitonio

A Browns offensive lineman who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Wyatt Teller

A Browns offensive lineman who is set to become a free agent this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Browns should be hoping one of the top offensive tackles is available to them at No. 6. Cleveland snags Fano to start from Day 1.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, ESPN draft expert (brownsnation.com)

“This draft would be a big success for the Browns if they landed two starting offensive linemen, as they do in this scenario with Freeling joining Spencer Fano. If Dawand Jones stays healthy, I think Fano could play inside.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, ESPN draft expert (brownsnation.com)

What’s next

The Browns will need to determine which of their own free agent offensive linemen they will re-sign, and they may also look to add one or two more from other teams in free agency before the draft.

The takeaway

The Browns' offensive line has been a strength in recent years, but with several key starters potentially departing, the team may need to completely rebuild that unit. Drafting two top offensive linemen in the first round could help solidify the line and provide long-term stability up front for the Browns' offense.