Browns Select Surprising QB in New 2027 NFL Mock Draft

The Cleveland Browns are off to a strong start to open the new 2026 NFL season, with the team holding a record of 3-2.

Cleveland has been one of the bigger surprises across the league this year, and this team is now thinking of a potential playoff run. But there is still plenty of season left to go, with the Browns needing to stay consistent throughout.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has played well enough to give the Browns a chance to win games, which is all the team can ask from him. But Watson isn't the long-term answer at the position, and Cleveland could elect to still look for another starter at some point.

In a new 2027 NFL Mock Draft from Bleacher Report, the Browns do take a quarterback in the first round, with the team holding pick No. 13. According to this mock, Cleveland would select quarterback Austin Simmons from the University of Missouri.

Simmons has seen his name rise up draft boards this year, and if he were to keep up his strong play, it could keep happening. The Missouri quarterback has the Tigers playing at a high level right now, and he could be a solid option for the Browns.

The former Ole Miss player has thrown for 1,434 yards with 14 touchdowns and one interception, while completing 64.8 percent of his passes. Simmons transferred to Missouri this offseason, and so far, it has been an excellent move for his career.

The Browns could elect to keep Watson under center, even after drafting Simmons, giving him time to learn. Far too often, teams will throw young quarterbacks into the fire too early, and it sets their careers back.

But Simmons could sit in wait, learning how to be a professional until it's time for him to take over this team. Simmons is a strong passer, with elite-arm strength, and he could be just what the Browns need.

One of his strongest qualities is the velocity in which he throws the ball, especially on short routes, setting up his receiver well. Simmons can also be a dual-threat option for his team, making him even more of an interesting prospect.

The Missouri quarterback is nowhere near his final form, and the Browns could be getting a true steal here if they were to land him. Overall, Simmons could fit with Cleveland very well, and the Browns may finally be able to have a franchise quarterback for the future.