The Cleveland Browns hold the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely focusing on wide receiver and offensive tackle. Predictions suggest they may avoid selecting a quarterback this year, instead eyeing a stronger 2027 draft class.
Browns' draft prediction would be great news for Shedeur Sanders for one year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns own the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the focus being on the offensive side of the ball.
With a need at wide receiver and offensive tackle, it would hardly be a surprise if those two positions were addressed with these two picks. But the Browns might also be eyeing someone like Ty Simpson as some QB depth or starting competition.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated disagrees, as he predicts that the Browns will, along with the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins, kick the can down the road at QB in the 2026 draft class with a very strong 2027 draft class.
"But with more than a dozen guys considered in this running and the chance that others emerge from outside the group, there's a good chance next year will be a quarterback-rich year for teams in need. That's why, as I see it, the Jets, browns, Dolphins, and Cardinals are kicking the can down the road a year," Breer writes.
The draft class in 2027 for quarterbacks will be a lot better than it is this season. And instead of spending a premium pick on a QB in this year's draft, it would make a lot more sense to stick with their current QB room for another year.
If this prediction from Breer comes true, and the Browns kick the can down the road at QB, then Shedeur Sanders will be a large beneficiary of the lesser QB competition.
More:Ā Todd Monken reveals QB plan for Browns thats good news for Shedeur Sanders
Dillon Gabriel lacks the upside of someone like Sanders, while Deshaun Watson doesn't instill much confidence amid his injury issues recently, to go along with his poor play when he does see the field.
If the Browns don't go for a quarterback early in this year's draft class, then the Browns could wind up giving Sanders another chance to start in 2026, which could earn him a long-term starting job in the NFL.
Breer is making this prediction with the weak 2026 class at QB outside of Fernando Mendoza, as Ty Simpson and the rest of the options aren't nearly good enough to consider early this year, with the stacked 2027 class on the horizon.
Arch Manning and Dante Moore lead a class of QBs that could reach the double-digits of starting-caliber options. Breer's prediction coming true would be great for Sanders, as he'd likely get one more chance to be the starting QB in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Browns have the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Predictions indicate the Browns may prioritize other positions and wait for a stronger quarterback class in 2027.
The Browns are expected to focus on wide receiver and offensive tackle with their two first-round picks.
Ty Simpson is a quarterback prospect who could provide depth or competition for the Browns, though they may not select a QB this year.
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