Browns 2026 NFL draft: The worst-case, ruining Day 1 scenario

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 26: A screen shows Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' name after being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick during the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Almost three weeks ago, we asked Cleveland Browns fans to share with us in DBN's Feed what they thought the worst-case scenario would be for the 2026 NFL draft. Three weeks later, and not much has changed for the Browns, or in the NFL besides the Cincinnati Bengals paying a steep price for DT Dexter Lawrence.

HC Todd Monken has gotten a chance to see his players on the field for the first time, including splitting up quarterback reps (with new cameras included), similarly to last year's QB competition. Rumors continue to fly around the Browns potentially trading down, something that has been on the radar for months at this point in time.

We will save the best-case scenario and optimism for Thursday. Today, with the first day of the 2026 NFL draft just a day away, we come back to our DBN readers with the question of the worst-case scenario. While we want to be hopeful, there are some options that we will start you off with as possible answers to the question:

• Trading down from #6
• No WR picked in the first 2 rounds
• No OT picked in the first 2 rounds
• Picking a QB with one of their first-round picks

When we asked the question three weeks ago, we got some interesting answers. Jerry from Perry said:

QB would be a disaster. That includes trading 3 future 1st round picks plus more for Mendoza. Been there. Done that. Do it next year if you have to. There will be plenty to choose from that can see over the line.

Touchdownbrowns had a different take on the quarterback decision, but noted seeing two AFC North rivals snag players he is high on would be bothersome:

I'm so disagreeing with QB take! i really want us to take one! Hear me out though... I have to work backwards from my absolute worst-case scenario. I REALLY don't want to see Watson on the field ever again. We are 1 Sanders injury away from that becoming a reality as of right now. So yes, taking Ty Simpson at 6 or 24 would not be worst case for me. Infact, it insures that my worst case never happens. The rest of the draft would be us consistently taking players that I'm low on when the other players that I'm high on are still available and then watching the ravens and Steelers take them.

Trading down was a concern for a couple of folks (Beast44 and tmartin5785):

Trading the #6 pick and passing on Downs.

Trading down from 6 too far and missing out on Freeling, Tate, Mauigoa, and Lemon while also not getting a 2027 1st in the trade

Now it is your turn, or theirs, to either change their choice or defend their almost month-old thoughts, in our comment section below.

What is the worst-case scenario for the Cleveland Browns in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL draft?

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