The Cleveland Browns are widely expected to land their franchise quarterback in 2026.
Cleveland selected Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, but neither appears to be the long-term answer at quarterback. With that, the Browns are likely to use a first-round pick on a quarterback.
Yet, NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic predicted the Browns will trade up to the first overall pick to select Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
“Owning two first-rounders in April and having received marginal play under center this season, the Browns have the ammo and motivation to be aggressive quarterback hunters this offseason,” Brugler wrote. “Cleveland traded back in last year’s draft to be in position to get its guy in 2026, and neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders has done anything to change that plan. In this scenario, the Browns package both of their 2026 first-rounders (and probably a 2027 Day 2 selection) to Tennessee for rights to the No. 1 pick.
“Mendoza, whom NFL scouts compare to Goff or Kirk Cousins, won’t wow with his arm velocity or speed, but his football intelligence (both pre- and post-snap) separates him. He has an outstanding feel for playing on time and layering throws to attack vulnerable spots in the defense, with just enough mobility to avoid sacks at an encouraging rate. The Browns will like Mendoza for a lot of the same reasons they liked Gabriel — except Mendoza has better physical attributes and a higher upside.”
If Mendoza can have a career like Jared Goff, Browns fans would jump at the chance to select him, as he could be the long-term answer at quarterback.
Mendoza is the Heisman frontrunner and has Indiana playing in the Big Ten championship.
Browns Expected to Draft a QB in 2026
Cleveland has been searching for their franchise quarterback for years, and the 2026 NFL Draft is a good chance for the Browns to try and find it.
The Browns will likely move on from Deshaun Watson and should start fresh with a rookie quarterback next season.
ESPN Browns insider Daniel Oyefusi predicts Cleveland will take a quarterback and could package some picks together to select the guy they want.
“Yes, but the Browns could find themselves picking behind several QB-needy teams if Shedeur Sanders can lead them to a few victories down the stretch (he won his first career start in Week 12). But with the two first-rounders — their own and the Jaguars‘ after Jacksonville moved up to pick WR/CB Travis Hunter in April — and 10 total picks, the Browns could also have the draft capital to move up if they covet a particular quarterback prospect,” Oyefusi wrote.
The top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft are Mendoza, Dante Moore, and Ty Simpson.
What has Mendoza Done in College?
Mendoza transferred to Indiana from Cal and has helped the Hoosiers become the No. 2 team in the country.
The star quarterback has been one of the top players this season and has vaulted himself into the conversation to be the first overall pick.
Entering the Big Ten Championship Game, Mendoza has thrown for 2,758 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. The 6-foot-5, 225lbs quarterback has a stellar arm that should translate well to the cold weather in Cleveland and the AFC North.
Mendoza can only help his draft stock in the Big Ten Championship and the playoffs.
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