Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns take a big shot at landing their franchise quarterback in very early 2026 NFL Mock Draft while finding key help for him

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 12:11 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns took a couple of swings at fixing the quarterback position in the 2025 NFL Draft, but neither was a premium pick.

Dillon Gabriel was selected in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. The odds aren’t great that the Browns landed a true franchise quarterback with either of those picks, meaning they could very well be back in the quarterback market in next year’s draft.

In the latest 2026 mock draft at A to Z Sports from Joe DeLeone and Ryan Roberts, the Browns land their hopeful franchise quarterback with their first pick and add a strong tackle prospect with their second.

3. Cleveland Browns: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

“Considering the drama surrounding the Browns’ quarterback room, they need to find a first-round talent to build around. Mendoza has the ball velocity to challenge tight windows and the decision-making to develop into a plus starter in the NFL.” – Joe DeLeone

Fernando Mendoza is so impressive- great physical tools - both arm and legs - and tons of talent around him

Also really enjoyed visiting with him - tremendous personality- the kind of guy people rally around. Feels like a home run transfer at the most important position pic.twitter.com/zc0OehTSIO
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 8, 2025

9. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

“The Browns are projected to start Dawand Jones at left tackle. That is, well, not great. World still needs technical refinement, but he has a chance to blossom this year with Oregon after transferring from Nevada. He has all the foot quickness and length you could ever want at the position.” – Ryan Roberts

Full mock draft at A to Z Sports

Takeaway

It feels highly likely the Browns will take a quarterback early next year, just like most expect. It would take one of their two rookies absolutely blowing the staff away with on-field performance to change that — and that just doesn’t happen often. Mendoza’s 2025 season at Indiana will be everything for his draft stock. If he can translate what he did well at California while cleaning up the negatives, he’ll be in contention to go this high.

World would give the Browns a legitimate starting tackle prospect in the first round, something they badly need. Jones, a former fourth-round pick, has flashed promise, but he hasn’t stayed healthy and can’t be relied on long-term until he proves it. Drafting a left tackle could allow Cleveland to shift Jones back to the right side once Jack Conklin’s time is up.

It’s not quite mock draft season in Cleveland yet, but it could arrive early if projections like this are any indication. The Browns open their season with an AFC North matchup at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: