The Cleveland Browns have an obvious problem. They have for years. And that's the lack of a bona fide franchise quarterback.
Since giving up the proverbial farm in draft stock and guaranteed salary for Deshaun Watson, he's been unreliable, unsustainable and unavailable.
And now a second Achilles tear in three months back in January puts his 2025 season in jeopardy. Even if he wasn't injured, he hasn't shown the team that he's a long-term solution under center.
So now the Browns look to April's NFL Draft for a possible answer. And of those who will be available at No. 2, draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. thinks he knows who the best option is for Cleveland.
"I'm gonna go Shedeur Sanders, I'm gonna be steadfast in that," Kiper said. "I've had him QB1 all along, really since last year. Love everything about the kid."
Kiper appeared on First Take on Tuesday to discuss Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Kiper thinks Sanders is a true QB1 in the NFL.
"He dealt with NFL conditions," he continued. "… You can win big in the NFL going about your business like Shedeur Sanders does."
The Browns have met with Sanders and have publicly praised him. But as everyone who follows the NFL knows, every team lies about every prospect this time of year.
And Cleveland is no exception. Why would they tip their hand to the Giants with regard to who they plan on taking at No. 2? New York picks at No. 3 just behind the Browns.
Related: Ex Browns Quarterback Visits Giants
We're just about five weeks away from finding out who the Browns think is the best option with the second overall pick.
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This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM.