All right, it is easy to look at a draft as it is happening and dole out grades and assessments based on projections. But they’re just projections, and we won’t know whether any of these guys are any good, really, until we get training camp and, for a better idea, into Week 1. So, while there is a lot of back-slapping for the Cleveland Browns as the draft has unfolded, it’s worthwhile to remember that everyone feels good about their picks in April.
Still, it’s hard not to notice that things have gone the Browns’ way. They were able to move back and add picks on Day 1, still landing left tackle Spencer Fano and receiver KC Concepcion. They then added players projected first-rounders with their second-round picks–receiver Denzel Boston and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Their third-rounder was Austin Barber, the Florida tackle who is capable of playing on both sides of the ball.
For a team that is looking at trying to rebuild with youth on the fly, things have gone very well. So well, in fact, that ESPN’s Mel Kiper declared the Browns the biggest winner of Day 2 and draft guru Dane Brugler of The Athletic noted on Twitter/X after Day 2, “Browns are crushing this draft.”
Browns Add Alabama Center in NFL Draft
Day 3 is always more dodgy when it comes to the talent available, but the Browns continued to take the same approach they did in the first two rounds: Pile on the offensive line, fill in with defensive depth and find ways to make the ecosystem for whomever is going to be the quarterback a better one overall.
The Browns started that by taking Parker Brailsford from Alabama, who could give the team depth at the position, especially if Luke Wypler wins the starting job and Elgton Jenkins plays center.
Brailsford is the latest addition to the promised overhaul of the Browns offensive line, with the Browns trading for tackle Tytus Howard, signing Jenkins, signing Zion Johnson, and now drafting Fano, Barber and Brailsford. That’s six new guys. It could be that Wypler, Teven Jenkins and Dawand Jones are the only players from last year’s offensive line that are on the 2026 roster.
Parker Brailsford a Pure Center
Here’s what the Browns are getting in Brailsford, according to the NFL.com scouting report:
“Brailsford has shown notable grit and consistency. He can be out-leveraged and shoved around at the point of attack, but his mobility gives him a distinct advantage on the move. A lack of functional mass/length could lead to his pass protection being exposed by NFL power and rush talent. Brailsford’s tenacity and execution give him a chance, but he’s a one-position prospect with zone-scheme dependence.”
Browns Add Linebacker, Tight End After Draft Trade
The Browns had more business to get to in Round 5, and with Brailsford on the books, the team also took a shot on trading down, sending No. 152 to Denver for No. 170 and 182.
With Pick 170, the Browns added linebacker Justin Jefferson, the Alabama linebacker who should not be confused with the Vikings star receiver. They then added tight end Joe Royer from Cincinnati, who could develop into a good meat-and-potatoes complement to Harold Fannin at tight end.
NFL.com noted that Royer “makes combat catches that others might drop.”
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