Steelers' AFC North Rival Could Make A Huge Mistake In The 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan have been extremely aggressive this offseason. A few acquisitions include signing safety help, trading for a number two receiver, and adding a star cornerback. The Steelers' AFC North rival, the Cleveland Browns, have taken a different approach. The Browns have not been quite as aggressive and have let many of their offensive linemen walk, including former Pro Bowler Wyatt Teller.  

The Browns have signed some offensive linemen to replace their entire core there, but are still missing pieces. The upcoming NFL Draft will prove to be important for how the Browns decide to improve their roster. By not signing a lot of their line back, it leaves them with picking a replacement at spot six. The Browns would need a tackle and could find themselves susceptible to reaching in the first round for one. 

NFL Draft analyst Joel Klatt spoke on the Up And Adams show to give his take on Cleveland's potential top pick. 

"The Browns are gonna be stuck. I think they're gonna get themselves stuck to the point where they desperately want and need to take an offensive tackle," said Klatt. "I gave them Monroe Freeling, who's the best left tackle in the draft, because he's a natural left tackle, whereas the two best tackles are more right tackles, and I could just see Cleveland just doing something like reaching for a left tackle."

The Browns could easily reach on the sixth overall pick on Freeling. Cleveland has put itself in a predicament with how they decided to attack free agency, where they might have to take a tackle purely out of positional need -- rather than the best player available. This really limits how Cleveland drafts and could leave better players on the board for other teams to pounce on. 

Another NFL Draft expert, Mel Kiper, had the Browns going with Freeling at pick six as well. The Browns hit the reset button on their offensive line this season, and this could be why a reach is possible. The best player available strategy is one that Khan and the Steelers utilize often. The Browns and their general manager, Andrew Berry, seemingly uprooted the offensive line and plan on taking a tackle. 

Cleveland will need to make sure they make the right pick, as the AFC North is known for its edge rush talent. The Browns already have to face the likes of TJ Watt and Trey Hendrickson twice a year. A rookie left tackle could be easily exposed by opposing defenses and could affect Browns quarterbacks' blind sides as a result. The Browns' inability to address their tackles leaves them possibly taking a huge risk. 

How Are The Steelers Effected By This?

Pittsburgh has not been highly mocked to take an offensive tackle in the first round. However, Cleveland taking an offensive lineman is a good thing. It allows Pittsburgh's edge rushers the possibility of going up against a rookie tackle in 2026. Watt and Alex Highsmith are known matchup nightmares and would give any rookie lineman fits. This gives Pittsburgh's defense an incredible advantage. 

Another reason why this is good for Pittsburgh is that it leaves positions of need on the board for them. The Steelers don't have an emergency need for an offensive tackle, and this allows for a player Pittsburgh might have its eye on to drop. The Black and Gold have 12 picks in this year's draft and may be unafraid to trade up. If the Browns leave a player the Steelers want, it could allow for a trade. Pittsburgh needs wide receiver, guard, and secondary help, and trading up for high-quality talent is an option. The Steelers should hope that their rivals make this big mistake, as it has a chance of being a huge benefit.

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