- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Cleveland Browns lead the AFC North with a 4-2 record through six weeks, relying heavily on young talent acquired through recent drafts.
Eight of Cleveland's 10 selections from the first three rounds of the past two drafts are starters on the 2026 roster. Those draft picks have combined for 2,802 snaps this season, trailing only the Miami Dolphins (3,348). General manager Andrew Berry, alongside assistant GMs Glenn Cook and Catherine Hickman, has positioned the franchise with two first-round picks and 11 total selections in 2027.
The roster turnover included trading defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Berry said the return was too good to pass up and noted the deal brought three or four good players plus $20-30 million in savings. Cleveland also facilitated Jacksonville's draft-day trade to acquire Travis Hunter.
Offensively, Denzel Boston leads all NFL rookies with 345 receiving yards, while Spencer Fano starts at left tackle and Austin Barber anchors right guard. Defensively, 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year Schwesinger forced a pivotal fourth-quarter fumble of Derrick Henry against Baltimore that led to a touchdown. Coach Todd Monken has guided the team to first place despite the overhaul.
Source: ESPN - Tue Oct 20, 6:51 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).