2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns pick LB Justin Jefferson at No. 149

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With the 149th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected LB Justin Jefferson (6-foot-0 and 223 pounds) from Alabama. It’s the second pick the Browns made on Day 3 of the draft, and it’s their second of three 5th round picks scheduled to be made. It’s back-to-back Alabama picks for the Browns.

Justin Jefferson Scouting Report

Here is a scouting report from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who had Jefferson as the 15th-ranked linebacker prospect on his board in this year’s draft class:

A one-year starter at Alabama, Jefferson played the Mike linebacker role in defensive coordinator Kane Wommack’s multiple scheme. The junior college transfer had a tough first year as he adapted to SEC standards under Nick Saban, but his comfort level started to grow the past two seasons. He stepped in for an injured Deontae Lawson in 2024 as the “Stinger” linebacker before taking over Jihaad Campbell’s spot in 2025.

Jefferson is an undersized yet compact, rocked-up athlete, with the pursuit speed to impact the game in numerous ways. His skills diagnosing plays appeared to improve as he got deeper into the 2025 season, although it won’t be as easy at the next level to make up for all his wasted steps. He is a twitchy tackler but needs to use that same physicality when attacking blocks. Overall, Jefferson is still working through the mental part of the position, but he makes plays based on his urgent athleticism and movement ability in space. His special teams value and upside on defense are enough to earn a roster spot.

How Jefferson fits the Cleveland Browns

With the future of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in doubt and the team not retaining a backup like Mohamoud Diabate this offseason, Cleveland needed a little more depth in the linebacker room, as Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams are expected to lead the way.

React to the Jefferson pick

What do you think, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments sections below.

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