2026 NFL Mock Draft: Dynamic playmakers invade the AFC North
Cleveland Browns (5-12) – Last in AFC North
Round 1, No. 6: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns have a plethora of needs across the board, and offensive firepower is something they are heavily lacking. Carnell Tate has been under fire after his less-than-impressive 4.52-second 40-yard dash time, but let's not get anything twisted. He's arguably the premier WR prospect in the draft, and for good reason. He can win anywhere at a high level, and would give whoever Cleveland's next QB is, whether an in-house promotion or external addition, a high-upside weapon to work with from Day 1.
Round 1, No. 24 (via JAX): Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Cleveland is almost certain to add multiple starting-caliber offensive linemen through either free agency or the draft, and the expected high price tag of available veteran tackles could cause them to prefer the latter. Iheanachor is a massive presence on the line, didn't give up a single sack in 2025, and projects as a potential long-term solution at the tackle position. He's risen up draft boards in recent weeks/months, and could land with the Browns with their second first-round pick.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-11) – 3rd in AFC North
Round 1, No. 10: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is a flat-out game-changer at safety and will be an instant-impact player for whatever team gets their hands on him. He possesses all the traits needed to slot in as a team's safety for years to come, and it's a fantastic positional fit with Cincinnati, which has been cycling through safeties since losing Jessie Bates II to the Atlanta Falcons. If the top end of the draft falls as many believe it will, and Downs sticks on the board when the Bengals are on the clock, it seems like a match made in heaven.
Baltimore Ravens (8-9) – 2nd in AFC North
Round 1, No. 14: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The tight end situation for Baltimore has been an interesting storyline in recent years, with the up-and-down performances of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely never quite making the position a legitimate strength. With Likely an impending free agent with a big-time raise on the horizon, the Ravens could add the Oregon star in the first round. Sadiq's combine was the stuff of legends, and the thought of combining him and Lamar Jackson should be enough for fans to salivate at the possibility.
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) – 1st in AFC North
Round 1, No. 21: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
When the Steelers shipped out George Pickens to Dallas prior to the 2025 season, despite bringing in former Seattle Seahawk DK Metcalf, they lost a lot of consistency at WR. Metcalf would have his moments, but seemed to constantly disappear, with not much production coming from the players around him. Lemon is one of the draft's most technically sound receivers and would bring the Pittsburgh offense skills that could elevate their passing game from the moment he enters the building.