Cleveland Browns Stun NFL with Blockbuster Trade—Find Out Who’s Coming to Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns opened voluntary veteran minicamp this week at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, giving fans their first live look at head coach Kevin Stefanski’s 2026 roster and a glimpse of how the franchise will approach next week’s 2026 NFL Draft. Veteran attendance was strong on Day 1, highlighted by star pass-rusher Myles Garrett mentoring a young defensive line group and new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz installing fresh third-down packages. Cameras were everywhere—Cleveland has begun testing helmet-mounted GoPro units in select position drills, a move intended to accelerate film study and fan-facing content this summer. All eyes, however, were on early-round quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders, who raved about a “new vibe” and “new energy” inside the locker-room after his first official workout with veterans. While Sanders is expected to compete with incumbent starter Deshaun Watson only after draft night, teammates praised his poise in red-zone skeleton drills. Wideout Amari Cooper noted that Sanders “throws a catchable deep ball,” and cornerback Denzel Ward said the rookie’s cadence “already sounds NFL-ready.” Key position battles • Right tackle: With Jack Conklin still rehabbing a 2025 knee injury, former fourth-rounder Dawand Jones and swing lineman Teven Jenkins split first-team snaps. GM Andrew Berry has met privately with several top tackle prospects, fueling speculation that Cleveland could address the position as early as pick No. 27. • Slot receiver: Rookie Cedric Tillman flashed on option routes, but coaches rotated return specialist Jakeem Grant into the slot, signaling a possible committee approach. • Strong safety: Second-year defender Ronnie Hickman intercepted a Sanders seam pass, reminding coaches he is pushing newly signed veteran Justin Simmons for reps. Draft capital and needs Cleveland owns seven selections: Round 1 (27), Round 2 (59), Round 3 (91), Round 4 (123), Round 5 (164), and two sixth-rounders (198, 205). League insiders believe Berry will prioritize offensive tackle, interior defensive line depth, and a developmental quarterback to sit behind Watson and Sanders. Keep an eye on Alabama tackle J.C. Latham, Miami (FL) DT Leonard Taylor, and Washington State QB Cameron Ward as realistic Round 1-3 targets. Health update Running back Jerome Ford, now the lead back after Nick Chubb’s 2025 departure, practiced in full after post-season ankle cleanup. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (shoulder) worked on a side field but is expected to be cleared for OTAs in May. Why it matters With their first first-round pick since 2023, the Browns have a rare opportunity to plug immediate holes and push for a third straight playoff berth. A strong draft haul combined with the early chemistry shown at minicamp could position Cleveland to challenge the Bengals and Ravens atop the AFC North in 2026. Browns fans should circle April 23-25 on the calendar; the franchise’s draft decisions in Pittsburgh could define the next half-decade.