Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is arguably the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he could be the next name added to history’s most infamous jersey. While the NFL Draft order has yet to be set, it’s safe to assume that the Cleveland Browns will have one of the top picks in the draft. Despite having one of the league’s better defenses, the team currently has an underwhelming 2-8 record and would have the third-overall pick if the season ended today. This team desperately needs a franchise quarterback, and Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes Mendoza is the man for the job.
“The Browns can’t afford to whiff if they decide to take a crack at a first-round quarterback prospect for the first time since selecting Baker Mayfield at No. 1 in 2018,” Kay writes. “With Cleveland trending towards becoming the first of many QB-needy squads to go on the clock during the 2026 draft, Fernando Mendoza would be the optimal choice.”
Fernando Mendoza is an intriguing prospect, but would the Browns use a top-five pick on a quarterback just one year after using a third-round pick on Dillon Gabriel and a fifth-round pick on Shedeur Sanders?
Bleacher Report: Browns Could Draft Fernando Mendoza Despite Already Having Shedeur Sanders
If the Browns had selected a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they probably wouldn’t even consider selecting Fernando Mendoza. However, since Gabriel and Sanders were Day 2 and Day 3 picks, respectively, a new quarterback is on the table. After starting the season with veteran Joe Flacco under center, Gabriel took over early in the season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t done too well, as he’s completed just 59.2% of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions while going 1-5. The advanced metrics aren’t much better, as his 49.0 PFF grade is the worst in the league among qualified starters.
Despite this subpar performance, it still took a concussion for Shedeur Sanders to see the field. Widely projected to be a first-round pick, the Colorado product fell to the fifth round and spent most of his rookie season as Gabriel’s primary backup. However, injuries thrust him into action last week, and he did not play well against the Baltimore Ravens. While he made one or two nice throws, he ultimately completed just four of his 16 attempts for 47 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. He also added another 16 yards and one fumble on the ground as the team lost to the rival Baltimore Ravens.
Gabriel will be sidelined at least one more game, and now Sanders has the opportunity to make his case for the starting job with a full week of practice under his belt. If he can start winning games and looking like a franchise quarterback, perhaps the Browns won’t draft Fernando Mendoza. However, if he keeps playing like he did last week, Cleveland will select a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Main Photo: Rich Janzaruk – Imagn Images
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