Browns 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland takes a shot in the dark to hopefully fix the quarterback position with an unexpected selection

The Browns can go many different ways with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Cleveland Browns are one of the teams that remain without a head coach, as they wrap up second interviews this week. 

Cleveland’s search for its next head coach is likely to carry into next week before a decision is made. Once a coach is hired and a staff is built out, it’ll be all about improving the roster. 

In the latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft here at A to Z Sports, the Browns take a big risk with their first-round pick. 

The Browns select Alabama QB Ty Simpson No. 6 overall 

Fernando Mendoza is the top overall quarterback but the push for the second off the board is going to be interesting. If Trinidad Chambliss comes out, it’ll be him and Simooskin battling for that second quarterback spot. The latest A to Z Sports’ mock draft has Simpson off the board at No. 6 to Cleveland. 

Interestingly enough, the Browns went on to use the No. 24 pick on Sampson’s Alabama teammate OT Kadyn Proctor. Offensive tackle is a big need for the Browns, especially if they’re going to bring in a rookie quarterback.

Simpson has just one head of starting experience and that’s the red flag with him. In his only season as a starter at Alabama, Simpson threw 28 touchdowns to just five interceptions to go along with 3,567 passing yards. Simpson completed 64.5 percent of his 473 attempts in 15 games and added two rushing touchdowns. 

Cleveland likely wouldn’t just throw Simpson into the fire if this were to happen. Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson would be options to bridge until Simpson is ready. Simpson is 23 years old and won’t turn 24 until December. 

A new head coach may very well like a player like Simpson in the draft process and push for him. It’s too early to say in that regard, but the Alabama quarterback will likely be an option for the Browns. Taking him at No. 6 would come with a risk that the Browns would have to weigh. 

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