The Cleveland Browns have completed a roster overhaul that General Manager Andrew Berry himself called a “perfect game,” and the aftermath is sending shockwaves through the NFL. In a stunning three-day draft performance capped by a flurry of late-round trades, Berry has not only reshaped the offense for second-year quarterback Shador Sanders but has also stockpiled an unprecedented cache of future draft capital, leaving veterans like Jerry Judy and Dylan Gabriel on the thinnest of ice.

The final day of the 2026 NFL Draft was dominated by Berry’s relentless wheeling and dealing, a masterclass in asset management that began with the selection of Alabama center Parker Braillesford at pick 146. Braillesford, an undersized but explosively athletic center-only prospect, is viewed as a high-ceiling depth piece with immediate starter upside. At 6-foot-2 and 289 pounds with 32-inch arms, he compensates for a lack of ideal mass with elite leverage and football intelligence, a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Todd Monkin’s system that emphasizes quarterback mobility and an adaptable run game.

Berry then traded pick 148 to Seattle for a 2027 fourth-rounder, a move that signaled his long-term vision. He followed by dealing pick 152 to Denver for picks 170 and 182, using 170 on Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer. Royer, who started at Ohio State before transferring, is a pure receiving tight end with 83 catches for 961 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He fits Monkin’s desire for a big, athletic target who can create matchup problems in the middle of the field, a role reminiscent of a young Isaiah Likely.
The fifth round also yielded Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson, a special teams contributor and depth piece who fits the “Rudy mold” of a high-motor, fly-to-the-ball defender. Berry described Jefferson as a “poor man’s Quincy Williams,” capable of backing up starters and contributing immediately on coverage units. The Browns then added BYU tight end Carson Ryan in the seventh round, a developmental prospect who bears an uncanny resemblance to Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, sparking social media memes and laughter in the draft room.

But the pick that has ignited the most conversation and controversy is the selection of Arkansas quarterback Talon Green in the sixth round. Green, a 6-foot-6, 227-pound athletic freak who ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at the combine, is widely considered the best athlete in the entire draft class. He rushed for 1,397 yards and eight touchdowns last season while completing nearly 61 percent of his passes for 2,700 yards and 19 touchdowns. Berry and Monkin view him not just as a developmental quarterback but as a weapon.
“This is not a typical sixth-round pick,” Berry said in a post-draft press conference. “Talon Green is a unique talent. He can throw the ball, he can run, and he can create mismatches. Todd Monkin is going to have a lot of fun designing packages for him.” The addition of Green creates a logjam in the quarterback room, where incumbent Deshaun Watson, veteran Dylan Gabriel, and now Green and Sanders are all vying for spots. Sources indicate that Gabriel, who does not fit Monkin’s mobile quarterback mold, is the most vulnerable.
The ripple effects extend far beyond the quarterback position. The wide receiver room is undergoing a complete transformation. With the additions of Conpsion and Denzel Boston, veterans like Jerry Judy, said Tilman, and Malachi Corley are now fighting for roster spots. Judy, who has been the subject of trade rumors due to reported attitude issues, is on particularly thin ice. Berry has a history of moving on from disgruntled players, as evidenced by the Amari Cooper trade, and team insiders suggest Judy’s future in Cleveland is far from secure.
The offensive line, a perennial weakness, has been completely revamped. The Browns now have a starting unit anchored by left tackle Fo, with a deep bench of versatile backups. Luke Whipler, Zack Zinter, and KT Levenson are all on the bubble. Levenson, who posted a dismal 54.3 PFF grade last season, ranking 78th out of 89 qualified offensive tackles, is considered the most likely casualty. Berry has made it clear that the days of “shambles on the offensive line” are over.
The defensive side of the ball, already a strength led by reigning sack champion Miles Garrett, has been infused with youth and depth. The addition of Jefferson and other late-round picks ensures that the defense remains a formidable unit. But the real story is the offensive transformation. Berry has executed a complete rebuild of the offense in just one offseason, mirroring the successful strategies of the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots, who both revamped their lines and added weapons for young quarterbacks.
The draft also set the stage for future dominance. By trading down and accumulating picks, the Browns now own eight selections in the first five rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft, including three fourth-round picks and two fifth-round picks. This stockpile gives Berry immense flexibility to trade up for a top prospect, such as Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, or to continue building depth. The fifth round, as Berry noted, is the new seventh round, and the Browns are loaded with ammunition.
The fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media is flooded with praise for Berry’s performance, with many calling it the best draft in franchise history. One fan, Keith A. Miller, wrote, “This year’s draft class is superb. Not a bad pick or a single reach in the bunch. Monkin will turn Green into Slash 2.0.” Another fan, John Solers, said, “First time in years I’m excited about the Browns. We basically have seven new starters on offense.”
The excitement is palpable, but the pressure is immense. Monkin, who has repeatedly emphasized that he wants players who “love football at football practice,” is expected to make tough decisions. Veterans who skipped voluntary workouts, including Judy, are already on notice. The rookie mini-camp, which begins next week, will be the first opportunity for Green, Braillesford, and the other newcomers to prove their worth.
The Browns are no longer a team in transition. They are a team built for immediate success. With a young, dynamic quarterback in Sanders, a revamped offensive line, a deep and talented wide receiver corps, and a defense that remains elite, Cleveland is poised to make a deep playoff run. Berry’s “perfect game” has set a new standard for roster construction, and the rest of the NFL is taking notice.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be the most anticipated in Cleveland Browns history. The team has gone from a roster filled with question marks to one brimming with talent and potential. The only question that remains is which veterans will survive the final cuts. One thing is certain: Andrew Berry is not done dealing. The “heater” is still on, and the Browns are just getting started.