WFNY RoundTable: What Would Be a Win for Draft Day 2026?
Happy Draft Day! In years past, the draft for Cleveland has been either defunct during the years of lean when they had no first round picks or slightly more definitive, knowing they had a good prospect in hand. But this year has been weirder than normal. With Cleveland picking at No. 6 and No. 24, they have the ability to add two dynamic starters to their roster right away…but we have no idea if they will stay at those picks, or who they target if they do stay at those. So naturally, we asked the WFNY staff, “what does a win look like for you coming out of this draft?” It could be a player you want, a position filled, a specific order completed…anything. Here are their answers.
Andrew: Sticking at 6 and getting either BPA or getting the best player at their position.
Chris: I will be excited about anything, truthfully. Without a quarterback to make the real difference, it feels like anything could work. That being said, unless you're taking a Buckeye defender, it's gotta be two picks on offense in the first round. Make me want to see the Browns with the ball.
Matt: It truly is a good question Because I think in an ideal world I wish there was a guy that screamed “pick me at 6” regardless of if that’s OT or WR but for the draft to be a win on paper maybe a trade back to 12 and getting that 20th pick scenario might make sense especially if it’s for one of the WRs as the first pick if you get one of the guys you like if he’s still there
Michael: Tyson or Mauigoa (if medicals check out for both) at 6 or Tate otherwise if we stay there. If we trade with the Cowboys as mockers want, then we get both 12 & 20... Sadiq at 12, Fano or Proctor at 20, then Concepcion at 24 is the type of difference making haul I'd want. 39 should have Dunker or Stowers or Fields available. Again, another Week-1 contributor with true elite upside is what we should be targeting that early. From there, I have my favorites... But I really want to see that we continue to target players who have a real shot at a second contract (true determination if a draft was successful are those 2nd contracts).
Gerbs: I want, more than anything, to come away with at minimum two starters on offense in the first three picks. If that’s a WR then OT, sure. OT then WR, fine. I want to feel excited about watching the offense take the field in 2026, and with the glaring option of Deshaun Watson being the starting quarterback, the need for other shining spots adding to Quinshon Judkins or Harold Fannin is dire. I’d love Tate at 6…I’d love Mauigoa at 6…I’d talk myself into Denzel Boston or KC Concepcion at 24…I just want to feel good about my team. Friday morning draft grades hardly matter in the long run, but it feels so much better when you see the A or A+ rather than the C-.