Prior to the 2026 season, the overwhelming sentiment about this Cleveland Browns season was that it was merely a bridge season to get to the 2027 draft, where hopefully, a shiny new franchise quarterback would be waiting for them. Nobody was excited about Deshaun Watson getting another shot to start for this franchise, but now that this team is 3-1 and has a chance to run this winning streak to four on Sunday, circumstances have changed significantly.
As good as Watson has been, it has still only been four games and his contract is coming to an end. This front office may still have its sights set on a rookie in 2027, and with one potential first overall pick continuing to struggle, the Browns may have a shot at someone they never thought they could get their hands on after winning all these games.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning struggled again on Saturday and according to many analysts, his stranglehold on the top pick in the 2027 draft is looking shaky at best. Jeff D. Lowe of Barstool Sports shared that if this Browns season goes south, he might not even want Manning on this team anymore.
“If the #Browns season goes south and I have to root for a tank QB draft pick, I might be a free agent for a new guy. Arch not turning the corner post-Ohio State win like I thought he would,” Lowe said.
If the #Browns season goes south and I have to root for a tank QB draft pick, I might be a free agent for a new guy. Arch not turning the corner post-Ohio State win like I thought he would. https://t.co/MNqlBo4okm
— Jeff D. Lowe (@JeffDLowe) October 10, 2026
Manning threw two rough interceptions late in the first quarter that directly led to Oklahoma pulling the upset over No. 1 Texas. He continues to fall short of the lofty expectations that may have unfairly been placed upon him, and it’s now a valid question of whether or not he should be a top pick next April.
The Browns will have two picks at their disposal, and if things keep going the way they have been, neither pick will be too high in the draft unless either they or the Los Angeles Rams start racking up losses. With a few more stinkers, perhaps Manning could fall to the Browns anyway somewhere later in the first round.
If Cleveland is determined to take a quarterback, there will be other options if Manning isn’t the guy. Other prospects like Darian Mensah, Drew Mestemaker, and Trinidad Chambliss have seen their stocks rise.
This is ultimately a conversation for another day and all the focus should be on the 2026 season. Many fans were prepared to prospect watch this season, but Browns fans now have something legitimate to root for in Cleveland instead.
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