Cleveland Browns' No. 6 pick presents a prime trade-up opportunity for a QB-hungry teams, such as the Los Angeles Rams
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an interesting spot in the 2026 NFL Draft order.
Owners of two picks in the first round, Cleveland's first selection comes at pick No. 6 overall. It's a weird spot to be, that puts them out of the running for top QB, Fernando Mendoza, but still in position to come away with one of the best overall players on the board.
In a down year at the quarterback position, it seems unlikely that the Browns, who have massive needs across the board on offense, would be willing to reach on a QB at six. That doesn't mean another team won't be.
Right now, Alabama product Ty Simpson is expected to be the No. 2 QB in the class. And, according to ESPN's Louis Riddick, the Rams seem to have interest in the 23-year-old.
"I can tell ya this, I know personally, I know that they like Ty Simpson from Alabama," Riddick said during a hit on ESPN. "And when you look at Ty's skillset, and you think about Ty's makeup, that's exactly what they're looking for."
It makes sense that the Rams would have interest in drafting a QB. Matthew Stafford is coming off an MVP season, but is also 38 years old. They do need to start planning for life without him.
If the Rams really are as enamored with Simpson as Riddick says, Cleveland's No. 6 pick could be a perfect spot to try to move up and get him. Like the Browns, LA also holds two first-round picks after trading the 26th pick in last year's draft to the Atlanta Falcons, who selected standout DE James Pearce Jr.
That puts the LA 13th overall in the order with the Atlanta pick, and plenty of flexibility to move up if they so choose. Meanwhile, the Browns would only slide back seven picks and still be in a great position to address one of their biggest needs, potentially at wide receiver or offensive lineman.
All in all, Browns' Vice President of Football Operations Andrew Berry is poised to have some options come April. One of them may be trading back with the Rams.
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