Cleveland Browns
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Browns doing 'extensive work' on top QB prospect.
The Cleveland Browns are doing some work on some quarterbacks ahead of the NFL Draft.
Cleveland has two first-round picks and could use the second one on a quarterback, or use a second-round pick on a quarterback. However, NFL insider Tony Pauline of EssentiallySports claims the Browns are doing extensive work on Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson.
“Even before his terrific combine workout Sunday, I was told that quarterback Ty Simpson will be drafted earlier than most presently predict,” Pauline wrote. “Some believe he could end up in the top-12 selections. It was reported by other outlets before the combine that the Cleveland Browns have an interest in the former Alabama quarterback, and I am told they are doing extensive work on Simpson.”
Simpson was expected to be a late first-round pick or early second-round pick, but his performance at the combine could very well skyrocket him up draft boards.
At Alabama last season, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his lone season as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide.
Simpson Rising up Draft Boards
Simpson was just a one-year starter in college, but he showed flashes of promise at Alabama last season.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Simpson as his 25th-ranked draft prospect.
“His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn’t start a game until last season. But the production is hard to ignore,” Kiper Jr. wrote. “Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play — sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn’t there.”
Although Kiper ranked Simpson as the 25th-ranked draft prospect, he did impress at the draft combine, which will help his draft stock.
ESPN’s Matt Miller said on SportsCenter that he could go as early as 11th overall to the Miami Dolphins. Showing that teams believe he’s a future starter.
Simpson is widely considered the second-best quarterback in the class behind Fernando Mendoza, who will go first overall.
Browns Doing Due Diligence on Quarterbacks
Cleveland has been searching for its franchise quarterback for years, and that will continue this offseason.
Although the Browns have Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel under contract, the team will look to add another quarterback. New Browns head coach Todd Monken said Cleveland will do its due diligence on every quarterback.
“I wouldn’t say it’s important to (add a quarterback),” Monken said. “But we’re going to do our due diligence to make sure that our roster, that we put ourselves in the best position we can to score points, which starts with that position.”
Browns general manager Andrew Berry doubled down on those comments.
“I would anticipate that there’s at least the chance that we would be a little bit more aggressive relative. I’ll say this, more aggressive than last year. But it’ll be targeted and opportunistic,” Berry said. “I think realistically we may be one more offseason away from being hyper-aggressive in that window. But if there’s something that fits us, fits our roster, fits our timeline, then it’s certainly a swing we’ll take.”
Which quarterback the Browns will add is uncertain. But the team is starting to do plenty of work on Simpson.