The Cleveland Browns have one of the least proven and most eclectic QB rooms in the NFL, which has led to a tremendous amount of scrutiny and debate over a team likely to finish near the bottom of the league again in 2025.
And what’s even more ironic is that all the discussion around the rookie battle between Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as well as all the talk about who should start Week 1 between veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett could end up meaningless come April of 2026, when the Browns will likely be in position to draft one of the top signal-callers in the class.
Cleveland holds the rights its first-round pick, which could be the top selection in Round 1 on its own, as well as the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ first-rounder. Even if the Browns don’t land in the No. 1 spot based on their record in 2025, they could have another borderline top-10 pick from the Jags to use in a trade — thereby potentially vaulting themselves into poll position.
There will be at least two high-level QB prospects available next season based on most projections: Cade Klubnik of Clemson and Garrett Nussmeier of LSU. However, the real prize might end up being Arch Manning of Texas who descends from a line of NFL royalty that includes three longtime starting quarterbacks: Archie Manning (grandfather and namesake), Peyton Manning (uncle) and Eli Manning (uncle).
Field Yates of ESPN predicted in his most recent 2026 mock draft on Wednesday, August 20, that the Browns will supplant Sanders and Gabriel by selecting Manning with the No. 1 overall pick.
Arch Manning May Declare for 2026 NFL Draft Despite Current Plans to the Contrary
GettyQuarterback Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns.
Yates made the projection and argument for Manning entering the draft next spring, even despite direct indications from the Manning family that the young signal-caller intends to spend the next two campaigns as a Longhorn.
Yes, Archie Manning recently stated that his grandson will stay at Texas for at least two seasons, a belief many in the scouting community share. But ultimately, Arch is eligible to declare in 2026, and if he performs up to his potential, he might just have to consider the NFL leap in this coming draft class.
Manning has a very good build, throws with accuracy to all levels of the field and shows solid movement traits. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs. He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling. I know the Browns just drafted two passers this year, but if they are picking first overall next year, then yes, they’ll be taking a quarterback.
Manning is entering his third year at Texas, though 2025 will be his first season as the full-time starter. He played at least one snap in 10 games last season, starting two of those contests. Manning finished the year with 939 passing yards, nine TDs and two INTs. He also rushed the football 25 times for 108 yards and four scores.
Futures of Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel Uncertain if Browns Decide to Draft QB in 2026
GettyCleveland Browns quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel (left) and Shedeur Sanders (right).
What drafting Manning, or another of the top QBs in the 2026 class, might mean for Sanders and Gabriel is somewhat difficult to say.
Cleveland will hold the rights to each player’s contract for the next four years. It is reasonable to predict that the Browns will move either Flacco or Pickett ahead of the league’s November trade deadline, and Pickett would be the favorite given that his age and projected NFL future will afford him a higher trade value.
Assuming that is the case, there’s a reasonable chance Flacco retires following the 2025 season. He’s on a one-year deal now and playing at the age of 40. Even if he doesn’t retire, he’s unlikely to be back in Cleveland after the Browns drafted two rookies in April and several scenarios will see them doing so again next year.
If either Sanders or Gabriel excels, that player is liable to be back with the Browns in 2026 and potentially competing with someone like Manning or Klubnik for the starting job. The other would be a viable trade chip and/or a candidate for the third-string position or the practice squad.
There is a chance that Sanders could shine so brightly the Browns decide they don’t need to draft a quarterback next year. However, if Manning is there for the taking, it’s hard to imagine Sanders or Gabriel playing well enough to dissuade Cleveland from drafting the Texas star.
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