The Cleveland Browns have been hit with a firm warning concerning the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Cleveland Browns own a couple of first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and given their current situation under center, the general consensus is that they will be taking a quarterback in some form or fashion on Day 1.
The upcoming class initially expected to be teeming with talent at the position, but it doesn't look to be quite as strong as most originally anticipated. That being said, there should still be plenty of good signal-callers available, and it would behoove the Browns to select one.
However, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay thinks there is one quarterback in particular that Cleveland should avoid in April: Alabama Crimson Tide star Ty Simpson.
"Simpson rates as the third-best QB on the B/R Scouting Department's big board, but only comes in at No. 19 overall," Kay wrote. "Taking him with a top-10 pick would be a stretch, as his game isn't nearly as polished as [Fernando] Mendoza's and his body of work is lacking despite spending four seasons at Alabama. There's too much risk involved in taking Simpson after one season as Alabama's starter. It's the type of pick a more stable organization could take a chance on and succeed, but not one a tumultuous franchise like the Browns should risk making."
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson. Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images.Simpson has been terrific for the Crimson Tide this season, having thrown for 2,461 yards, 21 touchdowns and one interception while completing 66.9 percent of his passes.
However, for as well as he has played, there are some who wonder if his game will translate on to the NFL level, especially for a team like Cleveland that has not exactly had a great history with developing quarterbacks.
The good news for the Browns is that because they do have two first-round draft choices, they can afford to try and trade up for Mendoza or Dante Moore if they really want to nab a quarterback within the first few picks.
Of course, there is also the chance that Cleveland, which is just 2-7, finishes with one of the few worst records in the league and ends up having the chance to outright take one of Mendoza or Moore with its top draft pick.
One thing is for sure: the Browns need to figure out their quarterback situation this offseason. They can't wait much longer to find an answer.
Cleveland will face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.