There is a little saying in sports media these days that goes something like “everything that happens in (insert your sport) probably relates to the team you cover.” While that is not always true, the Cleveland Browns having two first-round picks, needs at three vital positions on offense, and questions about how the team plans to function in the immediate future (try to compete vs building for the future), most 2026 NFL draft rumors do connect back to the Browns.
Many rumors actually directly include
Cleveland, given GM Andrew Berry’s penchant for moving around in the draft and the team’s various draft picks this year.
The Browns seem likely to wait until later in this year’s draft and, possibly, high in the 2027 NFL draft to address their quarterback need. Whether Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, or whoever they might select at quarterback this year will be able to change their mind about next year’s draft won’t be decided until the 2026 season plays out.
The Arizona Cardinals seem like they are in the market to get their “QB of the Future” this year, with many pointing toward the team wanting Ty Simpson:
The interesting caveat, however, is that the Cardinals are unlikely to select Simpson third overall, and then they do not pick until the 34th selection, the second pick in the second round. In between Arizona picks, Cleveland and the New York Jets (two teams that have long-term QB needs) select twice, while the Pittsburgh Steelers have the 21st pick.
The Browns have been rumored to be trading down from the sixth overall pick with the Dallas Cowboys, which could include acquiring the 20th overall selection, right before the Steelers pick. Could Berry make multiple moves in the first round, acquiring pick #20, then trading it away to Arizona so they can select Simpson? Could that be the way Cleveland secures a 2027 first-round pick, potentially a high one, to have a better shot at their “QB of the Future” next year?
With so many moving parts and only eight minutes (instead of 10 previously) between picks, the first night of the NFL draft could be a busy one with the Browns potentially dropped square in the middle of a lot of the moves.
What do you think about Simpson as a prospect? Should the Browns be looking to acquire him instead of being a part of a trade with the Cardinals so they can pick him?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
