The Cleveland Browns have been going through a quarterback carousel this season in the NFL. Joe Flacco started the first four weeks of the season and then rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has played after that.
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) scrambles for yards during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
However, Gabriel is in concussion protocol and will be out this week against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cleveland will be starting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders this week. He had to play the entire second-half last week against the Baltimore Ravens and struggled big time. If Sanders does struggle big time against the Raiders this weekend, the Browns might not only go back to Gabriel, but they may also draft a franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft as well.
Cleveland Browns Selecting Next Franchise Quarterback In Latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
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Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Mike Renner of CBS Sports created his latest 2026 NFL mock draft. The Browns will have there own first round and another first round pick in 2026 from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland would have the third overall pick right now in the 2026 draft. Renner has them selecting Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. He said,
“Simpson continues to be one of the most impressive downfield passers in college football. His ability to find throwing lanes at the intermediate level is second to none this season. He’s thrown for 22 scores compared to only two interceptions this year.”
This season, he has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,787 yards, 22 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Simpson is 6’2″ and weighs 208 lbs. He is a natural pocket passer. Simpson and Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana Hoosiers could be the top two quarterbacks selected in the 2026 NFL draft here.
He would be an interesting fit in Cleveland no doubt. The biggest question will be for the Browns, will Kevin Stefanski be the head coach next season and Andrew Berry be the general manager? It will not matter because they are going to draft Simpson, Mendoza, or someone else in this spot.
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