Browns' Draft Approach Will Reveal Their True Feelings About Shedeur Sanders
For weeks, the Cleveland Browns were one of the most fascinating teams to watch heading into the 2026 NFL Draft and a big reason why is the growing belief that Carnell Tate could be their guy at No. 6 overall.
Cleveland's offense struggled in 2025, particularly at wide receiver, where the lack of a true No. 1 option consistently stalled drives and limited explosive plays.
Add in Tate, who is widely viewed as the draft’s top receiver due to his polished route running, strong hands, body control, and production at Ohio State, and the fit felt almost too clean.
But now, just days before the draft, a new wrinkle shifted the conversation.
Reports suggest the Browns are open to trading the No. 6 pick, a move that could net more draft capital but also pass on a premium offensive weapon.
That possibility sparked a strong reaction from ESPN Cleveland's Tony Rizzo on Monday, April 20, who stated if Cleveland passes on Tate, it's another sign the franchise isn't serious about building around quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“Just another example of how the Browns are screwing over Shedeur,” Rizzo said. “Every other team in the league is drafting for its quarterback. Look what Cincinnati did. They’re making moves to keep Joe Burrow happy. If the Browns really cared and tried to support their quarterback, they would draft Carnell Tate at No. 6.”
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Cincinnati consistently tried to keep Joe Burrow comfortable by re-signing backup QB Joe Flacco, extending Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., and bringing back veteran guard Dalton Risner, while also adding defensive help so the offense can stay on the field.
Just the other day, the Bengals traded the 10th overall pick to acquire star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants, and now have him under contract through 2028.
Other contenders did the same. Buffalo recently traded for WR D.J. Moore to give Josh Allen another weapon, and Houston invested heavily in offensive-line help for C.J. Stroud, including Ed Ingram and Evan Brown.
Cleveland, by contrast, has not followed that same blueprint.
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While the Browns invested in the offensive line, signing Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson, Teven Jenkins, and two-time Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins, their receiver additions were low-risk moves like Tylan Wallace plus retained depth pieces such as Jamari Thrash and Malachi Corley, none a proven difference-makers.
Andrew Berry also said the No. 6 pick is about "maximizing the asset," including trading down, which signals flexibility rather than a clear push to arm Sanders right away.
However, wide receiver remains Cleveland’s most dire need, and Tate is already drawing comparisons to DeVonta Smith, who drastically improved the Eagles’ offense after getting drafted 10th overall in 2021.
Adding Tate would give Sanders a true WR1 to grow alongside, open up the offense vertically and underneath, and reduce pressure on a still-developing QB.
More importantly, it would signal commitment from the organization to his development.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 8:59 AM.