Joe DeLeone: Browns can leverage the No. 6 pick if Jeremiyah Love is still available; I’d rather wait until No. 24 to draft a WR

On this episode of Afternoon Drive on The Fan, hosts Jonathan Pito and Nick Padone welcome Joe DeLeone of A to Z Sports to discuss the Cleveland Browns' upcoming 2026 NFL Draft strategy. The conversation centers on the team’s No. 6 overall pick and the potential to leverage it for maximum value, especially if top prospects like Jeremiah Love remain available. DeLeone argues against drafting a running back or wide receiver early, emphasizing the need to address the offensive line first—particularly at left tackle—given the weak depth in that position group. He critiques Caden Proctor as a potential left tackle, comparing him unfavorably to Evan Neal, and instead highlights Monroe Freeling and late first-round prospects as more realistic options. DeLeone also advocates for the Browns to trade down from No. 6, using Jeremiah Love as a trade chip to acquire significant draft capital, particularly for the 2027 draft. He notes that while the top of the draft still features elite talent, the class is inflated in the teens and back end of the first round, making value picks more likely later. The Browns’ quarterback situation remains uncertain, but DeLeone suggests waiting until the 24th pick to draft a wide receiver like Carnell Tate, given the depth in that position group.