Browns draft shock: The Athletic’s 3-round mock Includes a wild QB move

Just when you thought the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room couldn't get any more crowded or confusing, The Athletic just threw a bucket of gasoline on the fire in their new three-round mock draft.

Despite GM Andrew Berry drafting both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel a year ago, this latest mock draft suggests the front office isn’t done playing musical chairs under center. It’s a move that will leave fans angry at the front office, especially considering the roster is currently screaming for help elsewhere. 

The offensive line looking is in total disarray, potentially needing four or five new starters. Meanwhile the wide receiver corps is desperate for a legitimate WR1 explosive threat. Taking another swing at a QB in the second round feels like an unnecessary gamble.

Below are the players The Athletic slotted in for Cleveland along with other media outlets draft profiles. I deliver my analysis after each pick on whether or not it would make sense for the Browns in 2026.

​More: Browns DC search: 2 new candidates emerge to replace Jim Schwartz as race heats up

Round 1, No. 6 

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6’6”, 315-lbs)

“Mauigoa has good contact balance and a strong core. He delivers firm first contact but excessive leaning diminishes not only his leverage and sustain as a run blocker but also his ability to deal with spin counters when protecting. He’s good at trapping rushers at the turn and can smother their momentum. He has the footwork, anchor and punch timing to diversify his pass-set approach. He works with an innate feel for pocket depth and is rarely out-paced to the top by speed. He’ll be an early starter at right tackle but a move to guard could be on the table in the future.” (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)

Analysis:

Taking a borderline tackle, probable guard at sixth overall is a reach I’m not willing to take. In this mock Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is selected by the Giants the pick before. If Tate or OT Spencer Fano are available here, I’d choose either over Mauigoa.

Round 1, No. 24 

Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195-lbs)

“High-skill, high-volume slot receiver with average size but extraordinary ball skills. Lemon has room for refinement, but not much. He’s intelligent, confident and polished with the ability to make plays on all three levels. Tempo-driven route-runner who misdirects man coverage and separates out of turns but is fairly average after the catch. Quicker than fast, featuring early acceleration to open seam throws but flashes late burst when needed. More play strength is needed for NFL press. He’s an exceptional ball-tracker with excellent catch timing and few focus drops.” (Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)

Analysis:

I like the position strategy of this mock, just not the players chosen. The Browns need size and speed at the receiver position. Lemon is built too similarly to Jerry Jeudy. I’d grab the 6’4” Senior Bowl riser Malachai Fields out of Notre Dame instead.

Round 2, No. 39

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6’1”, 205-lbs)

“Nussmeier took a clear step back, with 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions in nine games. He battled multiple injuries in 2025, including patellar tendinitis in his knee.

Nussmeier primarily operates from the pocket and plays with fearless anticipation. He throws accurately to spots in the intermediate game while showing an excellent gauge on route depth and where his receivers will finish on passing concepts. Nussmeier has a flexible arm, allowing him to easily alter his arm slots and ball trajectories to fit passes into spots. He navigates the pocket well, is aware of outlets and gets the ball out of his hand quickly.” (Jordan Reid, ESPN)

Analysis:

Hard pass on Nussmeier. New head coach Todd Monken doesn’t need another QB project to work on. Focus on building up Shedeur Sanders, and see if Deshaun Watson has anything left on the tank. Too many needs at OL and WR to be messing around with another young signal-caller.

Round 3, No. 70

Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5’10”, 185-lbs)

“Chandler Rivers started the season as a mid-round prospect but has risen in mock drafts during the year. He is now considered a third-round pick who has the skillset to raise some eyebrows at the combine. 

While Rivers may not have the high ceiling that Jaire Alexander had when he was selected in the first round out of Louisville in 2018, he shares a lot of the same skill sets. Both were star cornerbacks from the ACC who were able to shut down the opponent’s best receiver. Rivers has the competitiveness and fire to become a starting cornerback in the NFL.” (Draft Nation)

Analysis:

A third-round CB is a curious spot to mock to the Browns. Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell are the anchors, while an undersized Rivers doesn’t seem to fit. Go grab a ball hawking safety to add depth to that group or a guard instead.

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