Cleveland Browns make an aggressive trade to secure their franchise QB, obverhaul the offense in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft gifts the Cleveland Browns their quarterback of the future and brand new offensive look.
The Cleveland Browns managed to upset the Pittsburgh Steelers this past weekend, but it significantly hurt their chances to pick at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. With the future of head coach Kevin Stefanski in jeopardy, he desperately needs a big season next year to preserve his job, assuming he gets another chance. The roster is in a tough spot, and this team will need to overhaul it in several areas.
With the help of A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Joe DeLeone and Cleveland Browns beat writer Brandon Little, we attempted to reset the Browns’ future. In the latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, it began with aggressively trying to find the team’s franchise quarterback. Following that trade, it was about creating stability around the talented signal caller.
Here is what Little, DeLeone, and I cooked up.
Cleveland Browns 3-round mock draft
(Hypothetical Trade: Cleveland Browns trade the No. 6 overall selection, a 2027 first-rounder, and a 2027 second-round selection to the New York Giants for the No. 2 overall selection.)
In this scenario, the Las Vegas Raiders stayed at No. 1 to draft their future quarterback. A somewhat surprise to some, head coach Pete Carroll and the Raiders selected star Oregon signal caller Dante Moore. That put Cleveland on the clock with an obvious choice.
DeLeone put together the 3-round mock draft and provided analysis at the end of the section.
Round 1, Pick 2: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Round 1, Pick 27: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Round 2, Pick 38: Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M
Round 3, Pick 69: Xavier Scott, DB, Illinois
Throughout this draft process, there will be a dissection between Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore. At the moment, the consensus leans toward the Heisman Trophy-winning Mendoza.
While both prospects have the tools to become impactful starting quarterbacks, Mendoza can deliver clutch plays when called upon. Numerous times this year, he not only displayed a willingness to be aggressive but also the ability to deliver with accuracy and proper timing to convert.
With their second first-round selection, a dynamic weapon like KC Concepcion will be massive for this Browns offense, taking a step forward in 2025. Concepcion has elite speed to be a deep threat and YAC weapon for Cleveland.
His teammate, Chase Bistonis, in the second round, adds a body that can improve the interior of the Browns’ offensive line. Bisontis is a steady guard prospect with the mauling mentality and brute force to be a paver in the run game.
Lastly, Illinois defensive back Xavier Scott has premier coverage skills in the slot and can be utilized as a movable piece within Cleveland’s secondary. Scott was a reliable starter for Illinois throughout his career and could become the team’s starting nickel.
Browns insider weighs in
After the trade and mock were completed, Little was kind enough to give his insight for this hypothetical. Here is what he had to say:
“Cleveland may have picked up a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it impacted their draft spot with potentially major ramifications. The Browns are no longer in a position to secure one of the top two quarterbacks who are expected to come out.
“That said, the Browns making a trade like this to go and secure Mendoza makes sense. The Browns have to give up a future first-round pick plus more to do it, but you do that every time if it’s to land your franchise quarterback. Mendoza has the traits of a franchise quarterback and is worth this kind of swing for the Browns. Cleveland still keeping its second first-round pick in 2026 is a win.
“The Browns’ landing Mendoza with the trade up is a major swing by a franchise that isn’t afraid to take them. Mendoza is a much safer swing than it was to trade for Deshaun Watson, and this one very well could work out for Cleveland. Mendoza is a student of the game who can make all of the throws needed at the NFL level. If the Browns take a quarterback early, they have to make major moves to help him out.
“Adding a playmaker like Concepcion, who can do real damage after the catch, is the kind of weapon the Browns could really use. With the Browns having Wyatt Teller as a free agent and Joel Bitonio possibly retiring, drafting Bisontis makes plenty of sense. Bisontis is ready to play now as a run blocker and could potentially compete for a Day 1 role with Cleveland.
“Depending on how the board fell, the Browns could be better served to go with an offensive tackle or another wideout with the third-round pick. But if the Browns do go defensive back with that pick, it makes some sense because Denzel Ward isn’t getting any younger.
“Despite still being a Pro Bowler, Ward does have extensive concussion issues. Martin Emerson Jr. is going to be coming off an Achilles injury, and Tyson Campbell is the only other longtime answer the Browns have on the roster.”
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