The Cleveland Browns entered the 2026 offseason already equipped with one of the strongest defenses in the game. That's why, other than some marginal moves, the team has focused most of its efforts on the other side of the ball.
General manager Andrew Berry made multiple moves to fix the offensive line. The Browns are almost set there, but there are still several holes to fill on the roster. Todd Monken can take the offense to the next level, provided that he gets the weapons he needs.
Fortunately, the Browns currently have nine draft picks, including four in the top 100. They also have $21.39 million in available cap space, according to Over the Cap.
With that in mind, let's dig into the team's five biggest roster needs, as well as some potential options.
5 Positions the Browns need to address before training camp
Linebacker
The Browns reunited Quincy Williams with new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. He played the best football of his career under his guidance, and he's an underrated, high-volume tackler. That said, the team is still thin at linebacker, especially with Devin Bush leaving to join the Chicago Bears.
There's still no word on whether Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will be cleared to play. Outside of Williams and Carson Schwesinger, the Browns have mostly unproven depth pieces like Nathaniel Watson, Winston Reid, and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold.
While they're unlikely to address this position early in the draft, the Browns could take a look at someone like Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. or Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez in the second round. They can also target cheap veterans like Anthony Walker Jr., Matt Milano, or try to re-sign Jerome Baker.
Quarterback
As much as most fans want to look the other way, the fact of the matter is that the Browns still don't have a franchise quarterback. Of course, Shedeur Sanders can still be that guy, but he's just a prospect until proven otherwise.
The Browns didn't add anyone to the QB room early in free agency, but they could admittedly do so in the draft. That's a bit of a slippery slope, though, given that there aren't any elite prospects in this class.
They might be in a better position to address this issue in 2027. If not, guys like Alabama's Ty Simpson, Miami's Carson Beck, and Penn State's Drew Allar might make the most sense if they want to add someone else.
Cornerback
Denzel Ward survived some rumblings about being a potential salary cap casualty. The team is all set with him on the left side, and Tyson Campbell did a fine job after they acquired him in the Greg Newsome II trade.
However, the team could still use more depth and help in the secondary. Myles Harden is their only guy in the slot, and with Martin Emerson Jr. coming off a major injury, they may not be entirely sold on bringing him back in free agency.
If they don't land South Carolina's Brandon Cisse in the second round, perhaps Ohio State's Davison Igbinosun could be in play at No. 70. They could also roll the dice on veterans like L'Jarius Sneed or Trevon Diggs on one-year "prove it" type deals.
Left tackle
The Browns filled four of five potential starting spots in the offseason, but their most pressing need remains unaddressed. Blindside protection was a major issue last season, and they will probably use one of their first-round picks to solve this.
Dawand Jones showed signs of promise in limited snaps at left tackle. That said, he's suffered three season-ending injuries in as many years in the league, so the Browns clearly can't roll into next season with him as their Plan A.
The Browns will have no shortage of options at Nos. 6 and 24. Even if Francis Mauigoa is gone by then, they can probably target Spencer Fano, Kadyn Proctor, Monroe Freeling, or maybe even Caleb Lomu to be their next left tackle.
Wide Receiver
This is the team's biggest need. Jerry Jeudy failed to step up as the clear-cut WR1, and whoever is at quarterback needs someone to throw the ball to. Cedric Tillman can't stay healthy, Luke Floriea and Jamari Thrash are promising but unproven, and Isaiah Bond might be their only hope currently in the building.
With that in mind, the Browns will most likely use one of their first-round picks to add another pass catcher. If they don't roll with Carnell Tate at No. 6, they will still have a plethora of options to choose from at No. 24 or with their second-round pick, No. 39 overall.
Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston, K.C. Concepcion, Omar Cooper Jr., and even Chris Bell would all be worthy selections. They can also sign a veteran for insurance, with guys like Deebo Samuel, DeAndre Hopkins, and Keenan Allen still up for grabs.