CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns hold two golden tickets in the 2026 NFL Draft, but the franchise won’t use them to reset the quarterback room. Despite another losing season, Cleveland is expected to pass on a signal-caller at No. 6 and No. 24, opting instead to build a fortress around their current roster. General Manager Andrew Berry is reportedly looking to provide immediate help for a room that currently features veteran Deshaun Watson and second-year pro Shedeur Sanders.
The decision marks a significant vote of confidence in new head coach Todd Monken. Since taking the reigns earlier this year, Monken has been vocal about the raw talent already in the building. While many expected the Browns to chase a fresh face after a 5-12 finish in 2025, the front office appears determined to see if Monken’s system can fix what ails Watson and Sanders. You could feel the shift in energy at the Scouting Combine; the talk wasn’t about the incoming rookie passers, but how to protect the ones already on the payroll.
Expect the Browns to look hard at the offensive line and the perimeter with their premium capital. Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling has emerged as a favorite at No. 6, a move that would provide a cornerstone for a line that struggled to keep its passers upright last fall. If they go wideout, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is a name that has the local faithful buzzing. At No. 24—a pick acquired from Jacksonville—the team could double down on protection or grab a secondary playmaker like USC’s Makai Lemon.
Sanders is coming off a rocky rookie campaign where he posted a 56.6% completion rate and 11 turnovers. However, Monken reportedly sees enough mobility and off-script potential to justify a second-year leap. Watson, meanwhile, is returning from an Achilles injury that cost him most of the 2025 season. The plan is clear: give these two every possible tool to succeed before making a final verdict on the position in 2027.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the mobility Shedeur has. His ability to extend plays when the scheme breaks down is something you can’t teach. We’re in the development business, and I’m excited to get both these guys in a rhythm.”
— Todd Monken, Browns Head Coach
This strategy is a massive gamble for a regime that needs results. By skipping a quarterback in a draft class featuring several high-upside prospects, Berry is betting his job on the current duo. If a tackle like Freeling can’t stop the pressure, or if the receivers can’t separate, the “wait and see” approach will look like a missed opportunity. The Browns currently sit at 15/1 odds to win the AFC North—the longest in the division. Improving the offensive floor is the only way to shorten those odds before training camp opens in July.
