Latest 2026 Mock Draft Has Cleveland Browns Giving Shedeur Sanders Elite Weapon
A new mock draft is adding an exciting layer to the Cleveland Browns’ offseason speculation, projecting the team to invest in its current quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, by selecting a premier weapon in the 2026 NFL Draft. An ESPN mock draft from analyst Field Yates has the Browns using their top-five pick to select Ohio State’s standout wide receiver, Carnell Tate, creating a potentially explosive offensive pairing.
Cleveland Browns Building Around Shedeur Sanders?
The mock draft is based on the premise that Shedeur Sanders’ recent encouraging performances are enough to convince the Browns’ front office to build around him rather than selecting his replacement. Sanders has shown flashes of dynamic playmaking since taking over as the starter, including a recent 364-yard, four-total-touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans.
This scenario would see Cleveland use its high draft pick—currently projected at No. 4 overall—to add a blue-chip talent to its receiving corps. Yates’ projection has the top two quarterbacks off the board by the time the Browns are on the clock, making the decision to add an elite pass-catcher a logical move to support their young signal-caller.
Tate: The Next Great Ohio State Receiver
Carnell Tate has all the makings of the next first-round receiver to come out of the Ohio State pipeline, a program that has recently produced stars like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Tate is a complete receiver who would immediately upgrade the Browns’ passing attack.
Yates notes that Tate “has very good size, runs terrific routes and can make contested catches.” His vertical threat is a key attribute, as evidenced by his 17.5 yards-per-catch average this season. Perhaps most impressively, Tate has not dropped a single pass on 58 targets this year, showcasing the reliable hands that would make him a quarterback’s best friend.
For a Browns team that has struggled to find consistent production from its wide receivers this season, the addition of a legitimate No. 1 target like Tate would be a significant boost.
A Two-Pronged Approach to the First Round
If the Browns commit to Sanders and select Tate, they would still have another first-round pick in 2026, acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yates’ mock draft has Cleveland using this later pick to address another critical need: the offensive line. He projects the Browns selecting Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, a three-year starter known for his overwhelming power in the run game.
This draft strategy would represent a clear commitment to fortifying the offense around Shedeur Sanders. By providing him with a top-tier receiver and a powerful new tackle, the Browns would be giving their young quarterback the tools he needs to succeed and potentially accelerating their rebuild.
