For the time being, the Cleveland Browns are moving forward with Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback. But between the three-time Pro Bowler and Shedeur Sanders, neither option seemed ideal for the franchise.
As a result, the growing expectation has been that they find their long-term answer in next year’s draft. For ESPN, that means putting it all on the line to get the projected best quarterback in the class, Dante Moore. Fans, though, aren’t certain about such a risky move again.
Fans Don’t Want a Deshaun Watson Repeat with Dante Moore Idea
The trade to bring in Watson crippled the Browns in such a devastating way that they are feeling the effects of that transaction to this day. Trading three first-round picks for him, the organization also gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
That has set them back in a variety of ways and is forcing them to keep him on the roster for the length of the contract rather than cutting ties with him.
Some fans believe a trade for Moore, especially one as dramatic as Jordan Reid suggested, could lead to a similar result.
The veteran ESPN analyst believed that the Browns could trade pick number 4, 32, alongside a 2027 fourth-rounder, and a 2028 second-rounder for the first overall pick, which they would use on Moore
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One fan was immediately against the idea, comparing it to the Watson trade. “No! Of course not. That is almost as stupid as trading three 1s for Watson.”
Others, though, saw the projection as a wild idea given that the 2026 season hadn’t even begun.
No! Of course not. That is almost as stupid as trading three 1s for Watson.
— William Keane (@largebill68) August 26, 2026
They blasted the media, claiming, “Cleveland media sucks! We haven’t even started the season yet!!” Another fan had a similar line of thinking, adding, “Loser mentality at its best!! How about you give the guys a chance to perform first before you think about a quarterback in 2027?”
Loser mentality at it best!! How about you give the guys a chance to perform first before you think about a quarterback in 2027.
— Mayrodog (@Mayrodog) August 26, 2026
Even prominent media members were perplexed by the mock draft, with Tony Rizzo confused about the idea behind the draft and the trade. For those who were still holding out hope for Sanders to win over the QB1 role after Watson, though, this seemed like a death blow.
Rizz can’t believe that we’re already doing mock drafts 🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/CHV6rq9cFH pic.twitter.com/Snsz2Nj319
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 26, 2026
One fan complained, “For those who keep saying next year is Shedeur year, kiss my [expletive]! You’ll really trust the Browns organization to not pick up another QB in 2027! They want 2 in a QB battle every year for clicks!”
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It remains to be seen if the Browns take this direction moving forward. But the upside to Moore is undeniable.
Last season, starting for Oregon, he threw for 3,565 yards at an elite rate of 8.7 yards per throw and a completion percentage above 70%.
He compiled 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, with his efficiency really standing out throughout the year, and ranking at number 22 on PFN’s College Football Quarterback Impact Metrics.
Now, as he enters what is likely going to be his final year at the collegiate level, all eyes are on him to see if he can cement himself as the best available quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft.
