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How Browns fifth-round picks fit with team in 2026 and beyond
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- How Browns fifth-round picks fit with team in 2026 and beyond
With the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry beginning to wrap up their efforts in the 2026 NFL Draft, the organization was able to make additional moves on day three to improve the roster.
Here's how the Browns ' three picks in the fifth round will fit with the organization in 2026 and beyond.
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Pick No. 146: Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama )
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Parker Brailsford (72) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After making multiple trades in the middle rounds of the draft, the Browns finally made their selection with Alabama center Parker Brailsford in the fifth round.
As a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Brailsford brings plenty of experience to a room that desperately needs support heading into the 2026 season. Currently, the Browns are slated to start veteran Elgton Jenkins at the center position, but if the Browns suffer a plethora of injuries on the offensive line like previous seasons, Brailsford provides extra depth for head coach Todd Monken.
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In the long-term plan, the 22-year-old will likely compete with fellow center Luke Wypler to eventually become the starter up front in the near future.
Pick No. 149: Justin Jefferson (LB, Alabama)
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) hits LSU running back Harlem Berry (22) at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 20-9. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Instead of using all of their fifth-round picks in this year's draft, Berry and the front office decided to move additional picks and select another Alabama playmaker in linebacker Justin Jefferson with the No. 149 pick.
Jefferson, a redshirt senior, was an underrated prospect heading into the draft, but his 68 tackles and three sacks during the 2025 college football season prove that he has the potential to become a difference maker. For now, however, Jefferson will be a nice rotational piece to the Browns' linebacker room and will likely be useful in coverage situations. In order to advance his role in the future, Jefferson must work on his run-defending ability, which was a key issue throughout his time in college.
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Pick No. 170: Joe Royer (TE, Cincinnati )
With the Browns likely moving on from veteran tight end David Njoku , the tight end room was a sneaky area of need for Cleveland rolling into the 2026 season. Luckily for Berry, he was able to add Cincinnati's Joe Royer in the later parts of the fifth round.
The former Ohio State-to-Cincinnati playmaker recorded 937 receiving yards and seven touchdowns throughout his last two seasons with the Bearcats. Standing at a massive 6-foot-5, 247 lbs., Royer's frame will allow him to be a nice backup tight end for 2025 third-round pick Harold Fannin Jr .
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: How Browns fifth-round picks fit with team in 2026 and beyond
