Browns' Double First-Round Picks: Draft Strategy & History

0:00On April 7th, the 2026 NFL Draft is less than three weeks out, and the Browns are sitting pretty with two first round picks, the sixth, and the 24th overall. They snagged that 24th spot in the trade with the Jaguar's last year on Draft Day. It's their first double dip in the first round since 2018, when they grabbed quarterback Baker Mayfield first overall and cornerback Denzel. Ward 4th. Browns fans remember how they've turned top picks into roster anchors, like defensive tackle Mason Graham at number five in 2025. They've hit late in the first round before two, taking cornerback Greg Newsom, the second at 26th in 2021, safety Jibrill Peppers. At 25th, and tied in David and Joku, at 29th back in 2017. That 24th pick has a rep for delivering steady pros who stick around. Take offensive Lyman Donovan Jackson, who started 14 games as a rookie for the Vikings in 2025. For cornerback, Terry and Arnold, who locked down the lion's secondary with 60 tackles

1:02his first year before an injury slowed him. Meanwhile, guys like cornerback Deonte Banks evolved into a return specialist for the giants. Offensive Lyman Tyler Smith started every game over. Four years for the Cowboys, and just signed an extension, and running back Najee Harris pounded out over 4,000 rushing yards in four durable. Seasons with the Steelers. With these bites at the apple, Cleveland can stack talent across positions or zero in on needs, setting up a real roster glow up as the draft clock. Ticks down.