Browns bonus first-rounder: 5 massive stars taken at No. 24 (and who’s next?)

Andy McNamara

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Browns bonus first-rounder: 5 massive stars taken at No. 24 (and who’s next?) image

The Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 first-round pick is now officially locked in at No. 24 following their Wild Card exit. Now the Cleveland Browns know exactly where they will be selecting on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.

Cleveland already secured the sixth overall pick by missing the playoffs and finishing 5-12. Holding this bonus No. 24 pick gives the Browns a golden opportunity to replicate the success of teams that have found stars in the past at this exact slot.

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Here is a look at the last five players selected at No. 24 and how they’ve fared:

  • 2025: G Donovan Jackson (Vikings): A Day 1 starter who stabilized Minnesota's interior; he is already tracking toward a Pro Bowl trajectory.

  • 2024: CB Terrion Arnold (Lions): A lockdown rookie sensation who recorded five interceptions and helped lead Detroit to a deep playoff run.

  • 2023: CB Deonte Banks (Giants): A consistent contributor who has developed into a reliable CB1, rarely surrendering big plays in man coverage.

  • 2022: G Tyler Smith (Cowboys): A massive win for Dallas; he earned All-Pro honors by his second season and is considered one of the league's best young linemen.

  • 2021: RB Najee Harris (Steelers): A high-volume workhorse who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in every healthy season of his career.

Who’s Next? Potential Targets for Cleveland at No. 24

The Browns can speed up their rebuild if they can hit on both first-round players. If choosing a quarterback is avoided then the consensus top priority needs are at wide receiver and offensive tackle.

Four draft prospects to keep an eye on:

Wide Receivers

  • Carnell Tate (Ohio State): A rangy, vertical threat with an elite catch radius, Tate is the next "blue-chip" Buckeye receiver projected to be a WR-1 talent. It would be a surprise if he fell this late in the opening round.

  • Denzel Boston (Washington): Standing 6'4", Boston offers a rare blend of size and route-running polish that could provide a massive red-zone upgrade.

Offensive Tackles

  • Francis Mauigoa (Miami): A physical specimen with "freakish" tools, Mauigoa is a dominant run blocker who could anchor either side of the Browns' line.

  • Spencer Fano (Utah): One of the highest-graded pass blockers in the country, Fano offers the technical ability to be a Day 1 starter.

Fun Fact:

The Browns have only ever drafted 24th overall twice in their storied history.

In 1952 it was Bill Hughes, and end out of Texas. 1954 saw halfback Chet Hanulak from Maryland get taken.

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Staff Writer