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Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate (WO37) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Cleveland Browns offseason has ground to a bit of a halt, like most teams, as the 2026 NFL draft is just a few weeks away. Offseason activities will kick off early next week before GM Andrew Berry looks to fill HC Todd Monken’s roster with more young players, including a fullback.
For most Browns fans, there is not a lot to get excited about for the 2026 season. There are some who hope that QB Shedeur Sanders might build on his rookie campaign and become the quarterback many thought he could be before his 2025 draft slide. QB Deshaun Watson is back in the mix, with a handful of fans wondering if HC Kevin Stefanski and injuries were the reason he has been bad since arriving in Cleveland.
Even the upcoming NFL draft doesn’t hold the same energy for Browns fans. Without a quarterback on the roster or a top prospect likely to land in Berea, fans are left to hope that either the next Joe Thomas-level left tackle will be incoming or an exciting wide receiver. Most believe Berry will trade down, however, which steals away even more excitement.
It may explain why many fans are rooting for Ohio State Buckeyes WR Carnell Tate to take the trip up from Columbus after draft day. With the success that other Buckeye receivers have had, Tate being ranked near the top of everyone’s receiver board, and the excitement that the receiver position brings, the Ohio State to Cleveland connection would give fans something to grab hold of and look forward to.
Yes, Browns fans love defense, but we’ve all seen a dominant defense the last few years. Watching DT Mason Graham and/or DT Mike Hall Jr. grow in their spots will be fun, but will it really move the needle? Even talented RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr. provide a bit of a spark, but those positions do not have the upside of excitement that a young franchise quarterback or top-level receiver can provide.
Should the Cleveland front office make big draft day decisions to try to stem the tide of fan apathy? Obviously not. Do Browns fans need something to look forward to and hope for so they do not tune out of the season before it even starts? For sure. That could come in a variety of ways, including a trade down that adds draft capital for a quarterback in the 2027 NFL draft. It just needs to come.
In the end, winning brings sustained excitement and fan engagement. Cleveland hasn’t had enough of that since The Return in 1999.
What are you currently excited about with the Browns team? What could happen in the 2026 NFL draft that would create more excitement for you and reduce apathy?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below
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