Browns facing crucial Shedeur Sanders-Jalen Milroe QB decision in NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns likely didn't expect to have this specific choice.

They were always going to be in a position of leverage with the No. 33 overall pick, otherwise known as the first pick of the NFL Draft's second night to kick off round two.

Possessing that pick means hours and hours of possible trade conversations as every team eyes its board and gets a moment to breathe and assess the remaining talent.

For Cleveland, a second trade down of the draft doesn't seem advisable after giving up the chance to take Travis Hunter.

Instead, the Browns have a huge choice to make if they stay put.

In one corner is Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, whose massive slide into the second round wasn't even remotely expected until whispers began this week.

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Sanders was once wondered about as a possible choice at No. 2 overall for the Browns. Just by that logic, he'd be a bargain with the 33rd pick.

In the other corner is Alabama's Jalen Milroe, he of the giant arm and the 4.4-second 40-yard dash. 

Technically, Louisville's Tyler Shough is in play, too. But if the Browns take him, it'd lead to quite the uproar in Cleveland.

It feels like the Browns have to choose one of Sanders or Milroe, though.

Sure, Cleveland brought in Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco to play quarterback. It's all about finding a rookie that the Browns believe in fully.

For an emerging group, that's Milroe. Sanders is a star with great natural ability, but some don't seem to want the Sanders family headache.

Milroe has the upside of Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen. His percentage chance of reaching it is low, of course, but that's how naturally talented he is.

The Browns do have one path to avoiding the QB question entirely. They possess their own first-rounder and the Jags first-rounder in 2026 now, which means a selection of or a move for Arch Manning might be in play.

But taking Sanders or Milroe doesn't prohibit that choice if it gets to that point, anyway.

Cleveland should be taking its quarterback swings until one connects. Sanders would be a pleasant surprise, while Milroe is as exciting as they come.

The Browns can start to build draft goodwill back after the Hunter trade by choosing a QB and giving the Dawg Pound reason to believe in the future.

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