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Carnell Tate #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes could be a Cleveland Browns draft target at No. 6.
It would be hard to believe that after watching some of the incredibly frustrating performances put forth by erstwhile Cleveland Browns star receiver Jerry Jeudy in 2025, that he might actually be primed for a return to top-caliber form. Jeudy led the NFL in dropped passes last year, and while that is a clear measurable on his decline from his Pro Bowl season in 2024, the team also dealt with lackadaisical route-running and a generally poor attitude from what it had hoped would be a locker-room leader.
While finding a quarterback remains the most important objective for the Browns in the coming weeks–and probably beyond that–finding players for the quarterback to target is a high priority, too.
But one of the surprises coming out of the NFL draft combine this week was that, while the Browns have sought out trades for top-flight receivers across the league, there remains a belief in the organization, it seems, that Jeudy will return to form under a new coaching staff.
Browns Hoping to Rehab Jerry Jeudy
If that is true–and depending on the extent to which the Browns believe it to be so–it would have huge implications for how Cleveland approaches free agency, the trade market and the NFL draft.
Speaking on “The Orange and Brown Podcast” on Saturday, longtime Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot said there is conviction that Jeudy will be back on his game in 2026.
Said Cabot: “I know they are very confident they are going to get the most out of Jerry Jeudy this year, and they really feel like he is going to bounce back and be rehabilitated in this new offense, and that he’s going to be OK.”
GettyJerry Jeudy #3 of the Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jeudy Will Need a Running Mate
The question is whether that would impact how the Browns utilize the No. 6 overall pick. The team needs a complete refresher on the offensive line, and with two first-round picks on hand at No. 6 and No. 24, it would not be a surprise to see Cleveland spend both picks on blocking help.
But there are receiving stars on hand in this year’s draft, from Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State and Carnell Tate of Ohio State on down to others the Browns met with this week–like USC’s Makai Lemon and Washington’s Denzel Boston.
Even if the Browns do get more out of Jeudy, they’re still a long way off from having a complete wide-receiver room, and grabbing one of the top prospects at the position in the first round could make some sense.
Browns Should Use No. 6 on a WR
Cabot was a big advocate for the Browns taking that stance when late April arrives–and using the No. 6 pick for a potential new WR1.
“Absolutely, 100%. And I am very, very big on receivers and how important excellent receivers are and weapons are,” she said, “and I would have no problem with them taking a receiver at No. 6 overall. So I would be all for it.
“I actually think it’s a premium pick and, and I would do that in a heartbeat. A great receiver can be so game-changing and we saw that this year, even in the playoffs. It makes a huge difference. It doesn’t matter who you have back there at quarterback if you don’t supply them with enough weapons. The thing for the Browns right now, they need offensive linemen, and I think they need receivers. Maybe I think that more than they think that.”
Sean Deveney is a veteran sports reporter covering the NBA, NFL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has written for Heavy since 2019 and has more than two decades of experience covering the NBA, including 17 years as the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News. Deveney is the author of 7 nonfiction books, including “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.” More about Sean Deveney
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