Mel Kiper Pounds Table for Shedeur Sanders as Browns' QB1 Over Ty Simpson

ESPN draft analyst dismisses notion of Alabama's Ty Simpson landing in Cleveland, says Sanders is the better option for the Browns.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. strongly pushed back on the idea of the Cleveland Browns targeting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft, saying the team already has a better option in Shedeur Sanders. Kiper believes Sanders, whom he ranked as his top QB prospect last year, should be the Browns' focus at the position over Simpson, the consensus No. 2 QB in this year's class.

Why it matters

The Browns hold two first-round picks (Nos. 6 and 24) and are in the market for a long-term solution at quarterback. Kiper's stance on Sanders versus Simpson could sway Cleveland's thinking as they evaluate their options in the upcoming draft.

The details

Kiper pushed back on the notion of the Browns targeting Simpson, saying the Jets, Steelers, and Cardinals should be the teams most interested in the Alabama QB. He emphatically stated that Cleveland already has a better option in Sanders, who started the final seven games of the 2025 season after taking over for Dillon Gabriel. Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, 7 TDs, and 10 INTs in those outings as the Browns went 3-4.

  • On March 26, 2026, Kiper made his comments dismissing the Browns' interest in Ty Simpson during an episode of 'First Draft' on ESPN.

The players

Mel Kiper Jr.

A longtime NFL draft analyst for ESPN who is known for his in-depth evaluations of college football prospects.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama who is projected to be a high draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Shedeur Sanders

The quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who started the final seven games of the 2025 season, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 TDs, and 10 INTs.

Joe Flacco

A veteran quarterback who started the first four games of the 2025 season for the Browns before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dillon Gabriel

The Browns' starting quarterback for six games in 2025 before being replaced by Shedeur Sanders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Browns don't have to worry about Ty Simpson. They got a better QB than Ty Simpson in Shedeur Sanders. Don't go there.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Jets are scheduled to hold a private workout with Ty Simpson on Friday, March 27, as they evaluate their options at quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick.

The takeaway

Mel Kiper's strong endorsement of Shedeur Sanders over Ty Simpson as the Browns' quarterback of the future could be a significant factor in Cleveland's draft strategy, as they look to solidify the position after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025.