Browns Unveil Mysterious Draft Pick That Could Transform Defense Overnight

As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, the Cleveland Browns find themselves at a crossroads—equipped with some extra draft capital yet burdened by a glaring pile of offensive needs. Seriously, it’s like a shopping spree for offensive linemen, wide receivers, and potentially even a new quarterback. While free agency and trades might patch a few holes, it’s clear the front office will need to triple down on offense during the draft. Now, flip the coin—defensively, with fresh coordinator Mike Rutenberg calling the shots, we’re looking at a unit bristling with talent and gearing up to blitz more aggressively, possibly leaning more on single-high safety formations. It’s an intriguing shift that has folks buzzing. Then, there’s the chatter about Arizona safety Genesis Smith—could he be the gem the Browns snag on Day 2 to replace Ronnie Hickman? Smith’s range and speed might just fit Rutenberg’s scheme perfectly. I’m curious—what do you think about investing a draft pick in a true free safety to bolster Cleveland’s defense? The decisions ahead are anything but straightforward. LEARN MORE

The Cleveland Browns head into the 2026 NFL draft with a few extra draft picks and a few too many needs, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Almost every Browns mock draft will include the team adding multiple offensive linemen, wide receivers, and maybe even a quarterback. NFL free agency and trades could help fill some of those needs, but Cleveland will be expected to add offense on top of offense in this year’s draft.

The Browns defense, with new DC Mike Rutenberg, has a lot of talent and is likely to deploy a few more blitzes in 2026. One big change for Cleveland’s defense could be using more single-high safety looks, instead of splitting them.

In a post on Substack (subscriber, $), Cory Kinnan noted that Arizona safety Genesis Smith could be the perfect fit to play the role that Jessie Bates did for Rutenberg with the Atlanta Falcons. While Ronnie Hickman has played the role of free safety, along with Grant Delpit, he does not have the kind of range that might be a better fit for Rutenberg. According to Kinnan, Smith does:

He is expected to test off the charts next week at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his ability to cover ground over the top is unmatched in this class.

Kinnan has Smith ranked as his 32nd overall prospect. The Consensus Big Board has Smith much lower, 93rd, which would put him in a position for the Browns to select in the third or fourth round. Mock drafts have Smith being selected everywhere between 18th overall and the fourth round.

How would you feel about the Browns using a Day 2 pick on a safety to replace Hickman? Do you think a true free safety is needed in Cleveland?

Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below