The Cleveland Browns’ infamous quarterback jersey has potentially added two more names this year, but could the streak end with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? Browns fans remain steadfast in their pursuit to solve the franchise’s QB woes. Data from the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator tells us more.
Browns Fans Eager to Move on From Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders by Picking Ty Simpson
The Browns have two picks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Their first — their own — is currently placed at fifth overall, as the Browns sit at 2-6 around the midway point of the season. Their second — acquired from the Jaguars in the Travis Hunter trade — currently sits at 18th overall.
In the summer, there was a much wider spread of positions included in the Browns’ first two selections among fans in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator.
The QB position has never fallen below a share of 25% for Cleveland users — perhaps an indicator that Browns fans have never truly believed in this year’s rookies — but wide receiver, tackle, and safety all populated healthily early on, with Kadyn Proctor and Carnell Tate leading the way at their respective spots.
As the season has progressed, however, two positions have met and converged at almost the exact same combined percentage: QB and WR both at just below 30%.
Carnell Tate and Ty Simpson are tied for being the most common selection among Browns users, both with a pick percentage of 9.8%. Fernando Mendoza, Chris Bell, and Dante Moore all linger behind them with pick percentages above 7%.
There was a stretch in September where Browns fans would have been able to acquire Simpson with their second first-round pick, after picking Tate with their first. Now, however, those positions will have to flip. Simpson has solidified himself as a likely top-ten pick in the class, and Cleveland won’t be able to get him past that range.
With the Dolphins’ most recent loss to the Ravens, the Browns now rest above Miami in the order, with the Dolphins one spot ahead of them at No. 4 overall. This means that there are three potential QB-needy teams ahead of Cleveland, casting questions over their autonomy come draft day.
If the Browns miss out on Mendoza, Moore, and Simpson, they’ll either have to aim for a less sure selection like Brendan Sorsby later on, run it back with Sanders or Gabriel, or acquire a new veteran via free agency or trade. The latter option, however, would likely require the Browns to make necessary cap cuts.
A cost-controlled rookie QB in Round 1 is assuredly the preferred road for the Browns, and Browns users agree. But there’s more demand than supply for first-round passers. Cleveland’s extra first-round pick gives them some wiggle room if they decide to maneuver up — perhaps trading with Tennessee — but it’s not entirely in their control.
If the Browns can get Simpson in the top-5, Bell stands out as the top WR option at their current value with their second first-round pick. Offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Isaiah World have also fielded interest from Browns fans, with pick percentages of 5.3% and 6%, respectively.