The Cleveland Browns are thinking long-term. As they prepare to open their 2025 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, rumors are already swirling around their 2026 draft strategy. Per Bleacher Report’s latest mock (via ESPN’s Tony Grossi on September 6, 2025), the Browns will likely skip on quarterback and instead “target defense and O-line with two first-round picks” in 2026.
.@TonyGrossi says he's willing to trade the Browns two 2026 1st round picks and a 2027 1st round pick to move up for a rookie QB in the 2026 NFL Draft 😯
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/xgEV9zR9Tp
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 3, 2025
Browns Hold Two First-Round Picks in 2026 but Show No Urgency for a QB
Shedeur Sanders (left) and Arch Manning (right). Photo credits: Imagn
Shedeur Sanders (left) and Arch Manning (right). Photo credits: Imagn
The Browns enter 2026 armed with not one, but two first-round picks, their own and the Jacksonville Jaguars’, a powerful combination. Expectations are mounting that the front office will avoid trading them away to chase a quarterback.
ESPN’s Tony Grossi warns that Cleveland could “use not only their two first-round picks in 2026 to trade up to ensure they land their top quarterback prospect, but also their number one in 2027, too.” That’s a steep price, especially when no evident QB talent has shown itself yet.
On-field, Browns management is watching closely. Arch Manning’s recent outing, finishing 17-for-30 passing for 170 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Texas’s 7-14 loss to Ohio State, did little to inspire confidence in a generational quarterback class already.
Meanwhile, Cleveland already added two rookie QBs this offseason, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, further reducing the urgency of drafting another passer early.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks Focus on Line Play and Edge Rush
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) pressures Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Ohio State won 14-7.
Bleacher Report’s mock draft takes a bold stance. At No. 2 overall, the Browns select EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami, an explosive pass-rushing talent capable of altering games. With Cleveland’s Jaguars pick at No. 10, they target Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor, a potent blocker with NFL upside.
Such picks reflect pressing team priorities: beefing up a defense that needs playmakers up front and reinforcing an offensive line that has struggled to protect and open holes. Investing in Bain Jr. and Proctor promises immediate and long-term returns across both units.