The Cleveland Browns’ surprising start has not only changed their outlook for this season but also for their long-term future. Instead of planning to use a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft on a potential franchise quarterback, the Browns may have to figure out how to add one much later in the first round.
Even though they are 3-1 and in first place in the AFC North, the Browns might still wind up with a choice that would give them access to one of the top QB prospects. But if not, Cleveland could be planning for other options.
In the latest mock draft by CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson, the Browns are linked to a local QB prospect, selecting Julian Sayin of Ohio State at No. 31 overall.
“While it’s tough to separate his success from the ‘Jeremiah Smith Experience’ making everyone around him better, that’s a much better problem to have than trying to talk yourself into a highly touted quarterback whose tape isn’t matching the preseason expectations,” Wilson wrote.
Using the order of current Super Bowl odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Browns would select Sayin with a pick they acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the Myles Garrett trade. Cleveland’s own pick would be at No. 4 overall, where they are projected to draft Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore.
This mock draft has University of Miami quarterback Darian Mensah going No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals, and Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss at No. 5 to the New York Jets. Other first-round QBs are Dante Moore of the University of Oregon at No. 10 to the Atlanta Falcons, and Jayden Maiava of USC at No. 20 to the Minnesota Vikings.
But the headline of the article is really what says it all. It reads, “Arch Manning falls out of Round 1 where five QBs are taken,” which would leave the Browns with an interesting dilemma if it does play out this way. Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam has reportedly had his eye on Manning for years, and it would be very difficult to imagine the Browns passing on him if he were available at No. 31.
It now seems very doubtful that the Browns are going to earn a top-5 pick on their own, as according to Tankathon, they would have the No. 22 overall pick entering Week 5.
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