In a way, the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys were mirror images of each other in 2025. The Browns, as any fans who watched much of last year’s 5-12 debacle knows, had an elite defense that ranked among the best in the NFL, but paired it with and offense that was easily the league’s worst. The Cowboys, for their part, had an elite offense that could not drag its league-worst defense to even a .500 record.
Both teams will enter the NFL draft next week with two first-round picks. And both teams aren’t exactly thrilled with their draft position. Dallas, at No. 12 and 20, can’t reach the elite defensive players at the top of the draft. And the Browns, at No. 6 and 24, don’t need the elite defensive players at the top of the draft, but don’t want to stretch for offensive players who aren’t worthy of a Top 6 pick.
The solution, then, seems simple enough, and has been bandied about since the NFL combine in February. But draft guru Dane Brugler of The Athletic is predicting it to happen: a Cowboys-Browns pick swap that leaves GM Andrew Berry–who traded down from No. 2 last year–with a whopping three first-round picks.
Browns Land 3 First-Round Picks in NFL Draft
Here’s Brugler’s explanation of the Browns-Cowboys swap, which is gaining momentum as a piece of speculation, if not as an actual talking point between the franchises.
Said Brugler on the “Reception Perception” podcast with Matt Harmon: “I did have picks 12 and 20 going to the Browns at 6, for picks 6 and 39. For the Cowboys, I think it makes sense because they’re going up to 6, to get—they’re not going to wait until 12 and hope the guy they want falls to them. They’re going up to 6 to get him. And it costs you both first-round picks but you go back into the second round now because they currently don’t have a second-round pick. So I think the player you can get at 20 is not all that different from the player you can get at 39. …
“This is a team with a win-now window and I won’t be surprised if they get aggressive, whether it’s Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, one of these pass-rushers, whoever it may be. I won’t be surprised at all if they are a little aggressive to make sure they go get him.”
Browns Need Quantity on Offense
From the Browns’ point of view, this accomplishes the goal of adding a quantity of talent which, for as bad as the offense was in 2025, is much needed. Even with the rebuilt offensive line, the Browns need to add some young talent to that unit. And considering they had the worst wide-receiver room in the NFL last year, they need multiple players there, too.
This draft, most experts–including Brugler— have said, is notable for its depth, but not so much for its top-tier quality. The Browns will be weighing that as they formulate a strategy.
NFL Draft’s Depth Should Benefit League-Worst Offense
It’s certain that one of the top receivers in this draft–Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon–will be on the board at No. 12. One might still be around at No. 20 or No. 24, where the Browns could also have the likes of KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper or Denzel Boston to choose from.
If the Browns wanted to lean offensive line in the first round, there are tackles to pick from–Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa, Monroe Freeling, Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Lomu–whom the Browns could either plug-and-play now or choose to develop in 2026.
Or the Browns could choose to unload one of the three first-rounders for a first-rounder next season, when the quarterback class will be the talk of the league. Either way, moving back with the Cowboys is probably the most sensible option.
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