The Cleveland Browns are preparing to open the 2026 season with Shedeur Sanders under center, leaning on the flashes he showed late last year. While his film revealed inconsistencies, his arm strength, mobility, and willingness to stand tall in pressure situations gave the organization enough confidence to move forward with him as QB1.
There is still clear room for growth. Refinement in mechanics and sharper decision-making remain key areas, especially as he transitions into a new system under head coach Todd Monken.
Monken has publicly backed Sanders, signaling belief in his long-term potential, but Cleveland’s approach suggests they are not ready to fully commit without a contingency.
Holding multiple first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns are positioned to be aggressive. Despite a quarterback class viewed as thin beyond Fernando Mendoza, the front office is evaluating other options closely.
One name drawing internal interest is Alabama’s Ty Simpson, a prospect with intriguing upside despite limited starting experience.
The modern NFL’s demand for dual-threat passers fits Simpson’s profile, though his inexperience raises concerns. Ideally, he would develop behind a starter. Cleveland’s current situation could complicate that timeline, making this a calculated risk if they move forward.
Browns weigh receiver upside and roster balance with key draft decisions
Beyond the quarterback conversation, Cleveland’s draft strategy also hinges on upgrading its receiving corps. Washington wideout Denzel Boston has emerged as a late first-round option and has already met with the team, adding another layer to their offensive planning.
Boston brings an intriguing blend of size and movement skills at 6-foot-4, paired with solid production across his final two college seasons. He recorded 834 yards as a junior and followed that with 881 yards in his senior campaign, numbers that suggest steady growth rather than dominance. Still, one former NFL player believes his ceiling could be far higher.
Breiden Fehoko of the Los Angeles Chargers drew a bold comparison, linking Boston’s potential to Justin Jefferson. That level of expectation comes with risk, given Jefferson’s elite production, including multiple 1,000-yard seasons and sustained impact even in challenging circumstances.
Cleveland’s positioning in the draft aligns well with Boston’s projected range between picks 16 and 26. The front office now faces a pivotal choice between addressing offensive tackle early or targeting a receiver first and adjusting later. Another option could involve selecting a different receiver, such as Carnell Tate, while waiting for line help.
What makes this decision critical is how quickly it could reshape the roster. Hitting on both first-round selections could accelerate a turnaround, while missteps would likely prolong the franchise’s ongoing search for stability.
More NFL News