Browns urged to use QB draft plan that's great news for Shedeur Sanders in 2026

Shedeur Sanders would be in good shape if this plan were to play out.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the complex decisions facing the Browns' front office.A conceptual illustration of the Browns' quarterback situation, deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns own the No. 6 pick along with the 24th and 37th picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN's Ben Solak is urging the Browns to pass on a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, a plan that would be some great news for Shedeur Sanders as he tries to win the starting job this season.

Why it matters

If the Browns were to follow Solak's plan and pass on a quarterback this year in the NFL Draft, that would likely mean the quarterback room goes unchanged in 2026, making Sanders the favorite to win the starting job.

The details

While the Browns invested more into both Deshaun Watson (money) and Dillon Gabriel (draft capital) than Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback showed more promise this past season than either of the other two quarterbacks did recently. The Browns should pass on a QB this year, as they could figure out if Sanders can be the full-time starter in 2026, and make their 2027 quarterback draft plans with that knowledge.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April 2026.

The players

Shedeur Sanders

A quarterback who is trying to win the starting job for the Cleveland Browns in the 2026 season.

Deshaun Watson

A quarterback on the Cleveland Browns roster.

Dillon Gabriel

A quarterback on the Cleveland Browns roster.

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who is urging the Cleveland Browns to pass on a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I think the Browns are wise to wait a year on the quarterback position. Eschew quarterback to prepare for 2027.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Browns will have to decide whether to follow Solak's advice and pass on a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, or address the position in this year's draft.

The takeaway

This plan would be great news for Shedeur Sanders, as it would likely make him the favorite to win the starting quarterback job for the Browns in 2026. However, the Browns will have to weigh the pros and cons of waiting until 2027 to address the quarterback position.