There is never a time way too early to talk about the next NFL Draft, even if that draft is about eight months to go. Living up to the absolute roller-coaster ride of the 2025 NFL Draft, especially after a historic slide like Shedeur Sanders’, would be tough, but the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to come with its own set of surprises. At least, ESPN’s latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft does.
What shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, is the Cleveland Browns going out shopping for another QB. Especially when they might have a No. 1 overall pick. ESPN’s Field Yates believes that the Browns will have their eyes set on the most hyped QB of the 2025 college football season if they get the chance of drafting him. And, of course, if he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft has Browns Selecting Arch Manning
Since Manning is eligible to declare in the 2026 NFL draft, he will always be on top of the scouting personnel and analysts’ lists. Given the utter chaos that unfolded in the Browns’ QB room this offseason, Yates expects Stefanski to bring in another QB who might have a shot at becoming their franchise QB.
“Manning has a very good build, throws with accuracy to all levels of the field, and shows solid movement traits. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs,” Yates wrote.
A possible trade might be another reason to bring in Manning.
“He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling. I know the Browns just drafted two passers this year, but if they are picking first overall next year, then yes, they’ll be taking a quarterback.”
Arch Manning Might Declare for the 2026 NFL Draft
Recently, Manning’s grandfather, Archie Manning, asserted his opinion on his grandson staying in Texas for two more years before declaring for the draft. “Arch isn’t going to do that,” Manning declared to Texas Monthly Magazine about the 2026 NFL Draft. “He’ll be at Texas.”
The Longhorns QB, however, publicly contradicted his grandfather, alluding to him possibly playing in the NFL next year.
“I don’t know where he got that from,” Arch Manning said in his first meeting with reporters since SEC media days in mid-July. “He texted me to apologize about that. I’m really just taking it day by day right now.”
Do the Browns Need Another QB via 2026 NFL Mock Draft?
They might, only if their current QB lineup doesn’t work the way Stefanski expects this season. As the starting and veteran QB, Joe Flacco would be responsible for leading the team to a good start.
Whenever things might go sideways for the team, Stefanski will expect rookies Dillon Gabriel and Sanders to be ready to take over the starting role since Kenny Pickett’s status remains questionable due to his injury.
So far, the rookies’ progress has impressed Stefanski. Sanders’ performance in the first preseason game and Gabriel’s performance in the second preseason game as QB1 were convincing enough to let them have the role later in the season if necessary.
They might avoid crowding the position more only if Stefanski and the front office are satisfied with what they see in their QBs this season. If not, the 2026 NFL Draft will be their next shot at (hopefully) finding their franchise QB.
Main Image: Brett Davis – Imagn Images
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