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Browns Trade No. 6, Draft WR Makai Lemon at 12

4/23/2026

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Summary

Browns Trade Picks

Browns traded the No. 6 pick and a second-round No. 39 to Dallas for Nos. 12, 20 and a 2027 pick swap.
They drafted WR Makai Lemon (USC) at No. 12, OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) at No. 20 and Keldric Faulk (Auburn) at No. 24.
They selected Chris Bell (Louisville) at No. 70, Carson Beck (Georgia) at No. 107, Eli Raridon (Notre Dame) at No. 138, Pat Coogan (Indiana) at No. 206 and Barion Brown (LSU) at No. 248.

Summary

Bengals Trade Picks

The Bengals traded their No. 10 overall pick for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, eliminating a first-round choice.
At No. 41, the Bengals drafted linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who forced seven fumbles in 2025 and recorded over 100 tackles in each of his last two seasons.
They targeted rusher Zion Young, a defensive end with nine sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss (second in the SEC) and 53 quarterback pressures (third).

History

Historical Context

The NFL introduced its draft system in 1989, transforming team-building strategies. The Dallas Cowboys notably traded their No. 1 overall pick, acquiring key players like Troy Aikman. This strategic maneuver set a precedent for future drafts, influencing teams like the Browns and Bengals, and underscoring the importance of planning in enhancing team performance and fan engagement in the league.

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Browns Trade Picks

Browns traded the No. 6 pick and a second-round No. 39 to Dallas for Nos. 12, 20 and a 2027 pick swap.
They drafted WR Makai Lemon (USC) at No. 12, OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) at No. 20 and Keldric Faulk (Auburn) at No. 24.
They selected Chris Bell (Louisville) at No. 70, Carson Beck (Georgia) at No. 107, Eli Raridon (Notre Dame) at No. 138, Pat Coogan (Indiana) at No. 206 and Barion Brown (LSU) at No. 248.

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