The Cleveland Browns are being predicted to make a very odd decision regarding their quarterback situation.
The Cleveland Browns own a pair of first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, so the general consensus is that they will be taking a quarterback at some point on Day 1.
The Browns are currently fielding Dillon Gabriel under center, and Shedeur Sanders is the backup. The two rookies were third and fifth-round picks, respectively, last April, so it stands to reason that neither of them are the future in Cleveland.
However, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus seems to have other ideas for the Browns in the draft, projecting them to take Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano and Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with their two first-round selections.
It's true that Cleveland needs help in the trenches and in its receiving corps, but the most important thing for the Browns right now is to nail down their franchise quarterback.
Unless Sikkema believes that either Gabriel or Sanders are the answer, his idea of not nabbing a signal-rounder in Round 1 is peculiar, to say the least.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.Could the Browns circle back around and select a quarterback on Day 2? Sure, but the chances of finding your long-term answer in the second and third rounds of the draft are far slimmer than Day 1, which is where Cleveland should be taking its quarterback. Especially in a draft class that is supposed to fairly strong at the position.
The Browns have been searching for a solution at the most important position in sports for decades. Unbeknownst to them, they had found it in Baker Mayfield, but we all now that Cleveland messed that up.
But now, the Browns need to find their next signal-caller, even if they have a bunch of pressing needs up and down the roster.
Cleveland can always take a quarterback with its top pick and then select a wide receiver or offensive lineman with its second first-round selection. It will also have plenty of chances to find help at those spots throughout the rest of the draft.
But generally speaking, you want to take your quarterback early.
The Browns are just 2-6 on the year and stand a good chance of landing a top-five pick in the draft next April. They will face the New York Jets — who are 1-7 — this Sunday.