First-year NFL head coach Todd Monken and the Cleveland Browns possess two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. But appearing to be in full rebuild mode, pundits have floated the possibility the Browns may try to trade back from No. 6 overall.
This week, NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice presented the dream 2026 NFL Draft scenario for the Browns — move back from No. 6 and still land the prospect they might take at No. 6 anyway.
In his newest 2026 NFL mock draft Monday, Filice predicted the Browns to trade back from No. 6 to 9. Then at No. 9, Filice slotted Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate to Cleveland.
“Moving down three spots, picking up a fifth top-75 selection and still getting their pick of the WR litter? What a dream scenario for the Browns,” wrote Filice. “Tate stays in the Buckeye State, giving Cleveland a much-needed boost to a receiver room that didn’t produce a single 100-yard game last season.”
The Kansas City Chiefs currently hold the No. 9 overall selection. Filice predicted the Chiefs to move up to No. 6 to select Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
With Tate, the Browns would land what a lot of analysts see as the top receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Tate the No. 6 prospect on his entire 2026 draft big board.
“Tate is a tall, long wideout with better play speed than timed speed and outstanding production,” wrote Jeremiah. “Overall, Tate should provide an immediate impact in the vertical passing game.”
How Todd Monken, Browns Could Get Dream Scenario
GettyNFL.com’s Gennaro Filice presented a 2026 NFL Draft scenario where Todd Monken and the Cleveland Browns trade back and still land WR Carnell Tate.
It’s March. So, it’s the perfect time to be dreaming, particularly one week before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tate falling to No. 9 is highly unlikely. If that’s going to happen, it would probably take another receiver going off the board before him.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., though, would find that realistic. Kiper ranked Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 7 overall on his big board with Tate at No. 8.
It’s the NFL Draft, so anything can happen.
If the Browns were to trade back and still get Tate, pundits would likely consider it one of the top moves of the 2026 NFL Draft first round.
NFL insider Albert Breer didn’t discuss the possibility of Tate on the board for Cleveland at No. 9 overall. But Breer listed the Browns as a team considering a trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Count the Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Browns and Commanders among those already looking at trying to drop down in the order to accumulate capital,” wrote Breer on Monday. “The problem for those five is finding teams to move up.”
What Carnell Tate Could Bring to Browns
GettyCould the Cleveland Browns land Carnell Tate at No. 9 overall after a trade back?
If the Browns stay at No. 6, they could very well grab the Ohio State receiver.
According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, Tate has been the overwhelming top pick to the Browns in 2026 NFL mock drafts over the past week. Tate has landed in Cleveland in 23 mocks during that time frame. Georgia lineman Monroe Freeling has been the second-most popular pick, but he’s gone to Cleveland in just 10 mocks.
In Tate, the Browns would land a dynamic playmaker who would immediately help whichever quarterback starts behind center next season.
“Ascending “Z” receiver who continues to step out from the shadow of Ohio State teammate Jeremiah Smith,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength.
“Pass catching comes effortlessly with soft, strong hands and he consistently works back on throws to keep ballhawks from hawking. Tate displays rare polish for a player his age and has the talent to become a heralded pro within his first three seasons.”
Zierlein compared him to former first-round receiver Chris Olave.
Browns Could Find ‘Dream Scenario’ in 2026 NFL Draft Trade