Browns Predicted to Replace Shedeur Sanders With Superstar Youngster

The Cleveland Browns selected Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft, likely hoping to hit on at least one of them. Sanders was the better player in college, but throughout Gabriel’s career at Oregon and other stops, he showed that he was a decent player. 

Regardless, the Browns have some tough decisions to make, and it could come at the expense of both of them being off the roster next season or in a backup role. 

As of now, it seems likely that Sanders and Gabriel won’t be the starters next year for Cleveland, as they have a veteran in Joe Flacco and another youngster in the form of Kenny Pickett, who has NFL experience. 

Regardless of that, Pro Football Network recently predicted that the Browns would finally find their franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft by selecting Arch Manning. Regardless of Sanders or Gabriel, selecting Manning seems to be the right thing to do if he comes out next year. 

“Projected as the 2026 class’s most coveted prospect, Texas quarterback Arch Manning could end up the consensus No. 1 pick sooner rather than later. Despite limited playing time, Manning possesses all the necessary attributes to become a transformative franchise quarterback.

“His exceptional poise, accuracy, and athleticism suggest he’s destined for future success as a top-tier NFL quarterback. Scouts will closely monitor his development as he steps into his first year as a starter,” they wrote.

Will Arch Manning Declare for the 2026 Draft?

There have been questions on whether the Cleveland Browns or any other team in the league will even have a chance to select Manning. If he comes out in the draft, the expectation is for him to be the first overall pick. However, the Browns will have to hope that’ll be the case. 

“We need to stop talking about Arch Manning like he’s definitely coming out next year. The family’s history indicates he won’t rush to the NFL. Evidence shows quarterbacks have a better shot in the league the more they play in college. 

“And Arch himself waited his turn for two years at Texas, in an era when players routinely bolt at the first sign of having to spend time on the bench. I’d be surprised, in the end, if he winds up in the 2026 draft class,” Albert Breer of SI wrote.

Maybe the Browns Already Have Their QB1

There’s also a possibility that the Cleveland Browns wouldn’t select a quarterback next year if one of Sanders or Gabriel finds their stride in the NFL. 

However, it remains uncertain if either of them will even get an opportunity to do so. 

And some think the Browns won’t pass up on that opportunity.

Tony Grossi, a Cleveland Browns analyst, believes the team won’t pass up on a quarterback next year, given that they have two first-round picks in next year’s draft. 

“The 2026 draft will have multiple QBs graded much higher than Gabriel and Sanders. With two first-round picks at their disposal, the Browns will have the means to select one of them. 

“I just can’t see the Browns allowing the 2026 QB draft pass them by – no matter what Gabriel and Sanders are able to accomplish this season. It doesn’t mean Gabriel and Sanders will be discarded. They’ll be back no matter what,” he wrote.