Despite employing a roster with five quarterbacks, the Cleveland Browns could still draft another one next season. For the better part of their entire existence since their return to the NFL, the franchise has perpetually searched for a franchise signal-caller. From Tim Couch to Bailey Zappe and the dozens of others in between, Cleveland has struggled to find a reliable field general.
However, according to one writer, the next great talent predicted to take on that challenge is a decorated collegiate passer. With that said, will he finally serve as the solution to the decades-old problem, or will he take a seat at the disappointment table? Hope, like football, springs eternal, and the Browns could possibly go all in on the future.
Browns Forecast To Select Franchise Quarterback Next April
Granted, the 2025 NFL Draft concluded less than a month ago. Yet, it’s never too early to start peering into the future from a franchise standpoint.
After middling successes intertwined with catastrophic failures, Cleveland needs permanent solutions. The gaping hole at quarterback cannot go unaddressed.
After eventually understanding that none of their current quarterbacks will be the one to nail the spot down, the Browns attack the draft quarterback pool once more. Pro Football and Sports Network writer Joe DeLeone predicts the team will select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with the first pick of the 2026 draft. DeLeone asserts that Klubnik’s potential this fall could vault him into the top spot, writing:
“With a loaded roster around him at Clemson and national-championship expectations on the line, Klubnik could vault himself into the first overall pick conversation. His instincts and decision-making are a big reason to bet on him to be a top pick in this class.”
Klubnik does, as DeLeone believes, have an outstanding chance of leading Clemson to a deep playoff run. However, if the Browns look deeper, they will see a player with the translatable talent to start the first week of the 2026 season. For example, Klubnik presents the best blend of dropback technique and athleticism. His release, from rib to shoulder, looks quicker than anyone in college.
Moreover, with a natural feel for the rush, Klubnik slides around the pocket, with the option to tuck and run or allow the wideout to work free. Additionally, timing is a tool that Klubnik uses with aplomb, especially on comeback routes or crossers where the ball needs to be on time, accurate, and with enough velocity to complete the play.
Most importantly, Klub exhibits the toughness to stand in the crucible and deliver the throw with defenders bearing down on him. You will not see a wince, flinch, or happy feet when the Clemson standout needs to deliver the ball. While his 64.3% completion rate doesn’t wow anyone, understand that Clemson really lacked a dominant wideout.
Klubnik’s ascension could tie into the nebulous status of Texas quarterback Arch Manning. Manning, whether behind closed doors or publicly, has not given any clue as to whether he will continue to play for the Longhorns. As a result, the Clemson standout automatically becomes the one player that will sit atop of draft boards.
If the axiom “If you have two quarterbacks, you have none” holds true, what does that say for a team that sports a roster with five? The Browns, just by the nature of the unsure situation under center, will continue to look for answers. Klubnik looks like he could eventually cure what ails the franchise for the first time since Bernie Kosar led the team during the 1980s.