The Cleveland Browns‘ 2026 NFL Draft is an important one for the team, as they could look to try and find their franchise quarterback.
Cleveland will have two first-round picks, as the Browns have their own and the Jacksonville Jaguars, from trading down last year. With the Browns having two first-round picks, Cleveland can address major needs.
The Browns have the sixth overall pick, and NFL draft analyst Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic predicts the team will select offensive tackle Spencer Fano out of Utah.
“The Browns still have a quarterback question to answer and enough ammo to trade up if they want to try,” Baumgardner wrote. “But if quarterback is off the table, either because of how the board falls or Cleveland’s faith in Shedeur Sanders, OT1 would be a pretty great consolation prize.”
Cleveland using its first pick on an offensive tackle may be disappointing for Browns fans, as it isn’t a flashy position. However, Cleveland needs to address the offensive line with Fano, who played right tackle in the last two seasons, but can also play left tackle.
The Browns’ right tackle is Jack Conklin, but he dealt with injuries last season. However, Fano still could slide over to left tackle and protect the quarterback’s blindside.
Browns Predicted to Draft Franchise QB
After addressing the offensive line with the sixth overall pick, Baumgardner has the team landing its franchise quarterback.
The analyst has the Browns taking Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson with the 28th overall pick, the pick they acquired from the Jaguars.
“The Giants avoided doing something crazy at the top of the draft last year, then wound up with Jaxson Dart at the bottom of the first round,” Baumgardner added. “Could the Browns follow a similar path? We’ll see whether or not Simpson declares, but there are some borderline first-round or even Day 2 prospects (LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, North Dakota State’s Cole Payton) who might be worth a look in this range.”
Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his first season as Alabama’s starter. He decided to declare for the draft and is now projected to be a first-round pick.
Simpson could likely sit for a year, or at least the beginning of the year, similar to Dart this past season. Meaning, Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders could start the first few games before turning over to Simpson as their franchise quarterback.
Cleveland Focused on Finding Franchise QB
The Browns will be looking to find their franchise quarterback this season.
Cleveland has Watson and Sanders under contract, but GM Andrew Berry said the team needs to find its franchise quarterback.
“Yeah, I’d say quarterback is the most important position in sports,” Berry said. “We all know that. And part of the equation with quarterback is the evaluation part. Part of it is the development part as well. It’s the most important part. It’s the hardest position to play. It can take time. But look, that’s the focus.
“Solidifying that position, that’s the biggest thing that can lead to sustainable success. That’s priority number one. How we accomplish that with the combination of internal options, external veteran options, the draft; that remains to be seen. But priority number one is finding a leader for the organization. That’s what our focus is on in the short term.”
Whether or not that will come in the 2026 NFL Draft is to be seen.
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