Browns urged to use QB draft plan that's great news for Shedeur Sanders in 2026

The Cleveland Browns own the No. 6 pick along with the 24th and 37th picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

It's a great time for the Browns to add help to their offense, with offensive line and wide receiver as the main focus of the early-round picks. But what about a quarterback? It's a need, but should they take a QB in this year's draft?

ESPN's Ben Solak is urging the Browns to pass on a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, a plan that would be some great news for Shedeur Sanders as he tries to win the starting job this season.

Browns urged to pass on QB in 2026 draft for 2027 plan instead

"I think the Browns are wise to wait a year on the quarterback position," Solak writes. "Eschew quarterback to prepare for 2027."

If the Browns were to follow Solak's plan and pass on a quarterback this year in the NFL Draft, that would likely mean the quarterback room goes unchanged in 2026.

What would that actually mean? Well, Sanders would likely be the favorite to win the starting job, while Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel feature as more unlikely options to earn the starting bid.

More: Todd Monken reveals QB plan for Browns thats good news for Shedeur Sanders

While the Browns invested more into both Watson (money) and Gabriel (draft capital) than Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback showed more promise this past season than either of the other two quarterbacks did recently.

The Browns should pass on a QB this year, as they could figure out if Sanders can be the full-time starter in 2026, and make their 2027 quarterback draft plans with that knowledge.

But, right now, Sanders' future is very uncertain. He could develop more and be a good starter, or he could stagnate and need to be replaced.

But the Browns should figure that out in 2026 and pass on QB this year with the intention of finding their QB of the future next offseason, whether it's a rookie or confirmation that Sanders can handle such a job.

More Browns news:

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• Todd Monken missed NFL head coach photo thanks to getting a haircut for said photo
• Why Shedeur Sanders is changing Browns jersey to No. 2 after wearing 12
• Browns back out of A.J. Epenesa free agent contract
• Deshaun Watson is obviously the Browns most overpaid player