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Browns Earn Kiper’s Top Grade After Trade-Back and WR/OL Overhaul in 2026 Draft

Kiper points to Cleveland’s move down from No. 6 as a template for turning roster needs into week‑one help.

Overview

  • ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. named the Browns one of his top classes with an A grade, highlighting tackle Spencer Fano at No. 9 and receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston as impact picks.
  • Cleveland traded down with the Chiefs from No. 6 to No. 9 to add extra selections, then landed safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at 58 and took developmental quarterback Taylen Green in Round 6.
  • Analysts noted the Browns’ group tested as highly athletic on Relative Athletic Score metrics, signaling a roster that could contribute early across multiple spots.
  • The Bengals dealt the No. 10 pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence before the draft and still drew a solid B from Kiper on a class led by edge rusher Cashius Howell and cornerback Tacario Davis.
  • Kiper issued one of his lowest marks to the 49ers with a C, criticizing multiple reaches such as De’Zhuan Stribling at 33 and Kaelon Black on Day 2.