Cleveland Browns find their franchise QB in latest 2026 NFL mock draft

Cleveland Browns find their franchise QB in latest 2026 NFL mock draftStory byBrowns Alchemy, Browns WireFri, November 28, 2025 at 1:51 PM UTC·15 min read

The Cleveland Browns' victory over the Las Vegas Raiders raised morale among the team and their fans. It also lifted them from the bottom of the draft order. Shedeur Sanders looked good in his debut, breaking one of the longest bad Browns records: a 17-game losing streak by Browns' rookie quarterbacks making their debut. Sanders had some good moments out of structure, but he struggled to operate the offense in structure. For now, the Browns are still on the search for a franchise quarterback. There will likely only be three first-round quarterbacks in the draft, possibly fewer than that. If the Browns want to draft a quarterback, they'll need a top pick in the draft.

Sanders was named the starter for the team. He'll get plenty of opportunities to prove he's the guy to build around. The Browns could easily win themselves out of a top pick. The team has an easier schedule to end the season. If the Browns win a majority of their games, not only will Sanders prove he's a viable option for the Browns, but he'll have beaten out the future rookie competition.

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This week's mock draft is sponsored by Hate Week. Rivalry week is one of the best weekends in either football season. These fan bases and teams fantasize about beating each other up 364 days a year. Friday or Saturday is the one day of the year they've been planning for. There's nothing more exciting than going to a stadium and feeling the animosity fill the air. The energy is combustible. These games can mean everything to fans, even when they don't to the playoff committee. To help spread the hate, we're bumping the mock draft to a complete seven rounds.

1.06 Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Oct 25, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) scrambles for a first down on fourth down against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Ty Simpson, the starting quarterback for Alabama, has simmered down after a hot start. Simpson is attempting to lead the Crimson Tide to the playoffs. He stumbled against a tough Oklahoma Sooner defense. Alabama lost to the Sooners 21-23. Simpson threw one interception and one touchdown. The Sooners game planned for his tendencies, and Simpson played into their hands. This season is Simpson's first as a starter. He's going through growing pains at the worst point of the season. Simpson must get Alabama's season on track if he wants to declare for the upcoming draft. He'll have a great opportunity in the Iron Bowl.

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Simpson is a talented quarterback. He is a svelte player, listed at 6-foot-2, 208 pounds. Simpson's calling card is his accuracy and touch. He doesn't have a mighty arm, but he can layer the ball over defenders. He can hit receivers in stride. He doesn't have the most powerful arm, and his throwing motion seems strained. However, he can access every portion of the field. Simpson's pathway to becoming a successful franchise quarterback is by winning in the pocket with his brain and accuracy. Simpson isn't a statue in the pocket; he has the athleticism to escape from immediate pressure. Simpson is a balanced prospect with a robust skill set. His lack of an X-factor may limit him from being a premier quarterback. However, it shouldn't limit his ceiling. Accuracy and decision-making are trump cards for quarterbacks. The best quarterbacks are problem solvers. Simpson has the tools to develop into a great quarterback at the next level.

Simpson's lack of playing time during his career is his most enormous red flag. Teams don't want to invest a top pick in quarterbacks with minimal film. They want to vet these prospects thoroughly, and it's nearly impossible without an appropriate sample size. Arch Manning is the perfect example of why experience matters. He was regarded by many as the top quarterback in the class, but after a terrible start to his season, he became an afterthought. However, he's leading the Longhorns back into playoff conversations and will likely enter next season as the top quarterback prospect. Sample size is important when evaluating these multimillion-dollar quarterbacks. A few bad games will corrupt an evaluation of ten games. Simpson shouldn't be ashamed if he must return to school. If I weren't a fan of a team desperate for a franchise quarterback, I'd suggest every prospect get at least three years of playing time under their belt. The NFL has no patience for developing projects, and quarterback prospects should be mindful of that. Simpson is a top talent, but he's too forceful during games. He's overly reliant on presnap reads and will force the ball into nonexistent windows. He must learn how to pace himself and manage a game.  Another year of experience will help him gain better control.

1.22 (via the Jaguars) Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) catches a touchdown pass against Wisconsin Badgers safety Matt Jung (29) in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Carnell Tate is the next superstar receiver developed by Ohio State. The former five-star receiver stands at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. Tate has always had prototypical size and athleticism for the position, but he's blossomed into a technician in his junior year. Tate is impossible to guard. This season, he's caught 39 passes for 711 yards and seven touchdowns. He's missed the last three games with an undisclosed lower leg injury. Tate is gearing up to play against the Buckeyes' foe, Michigan. Ohio State needs him if they want to defend their National Championship title.

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Tate is a fantastic athlete with a large frame. He has the catch radius of a top X-receiver. He can make the tough catches, too. Tate's at his best when the ball is in the air. He tracks the ball very well. He's mindful of using his body to box out defenders at the catch point. Tate does a great job of getting his hands up before the ball arrives, framing the ball perfectly before tucking it in. He doesn't trap the ball with his body or clap it with his hand. Tate has developed into a skilled route runner at Ohio State. Tate has the speed and size to be a great downfield option. He uses the threat of his speed to set up routes on the boundary. Tate does a good job of getting in and out of his breaks. Tate has all the tools to develop into one of the top X receivers in the NFL.

Tate has really broken out as a true junior. The Buckeye receiver is one of the top receiving prospects in the country. Outside of a horrible medical diagnosis, there's no way Tate will be available in the middle of the first round. He's one of the best players in the class. However, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about Tate in this mock draft series. He's an incredible talent and a joy to watch. Hopefully, the Buckeyes will have their star receiver back as they take on Michigan in the Big House. The Buckeyes need to get their passing attack going against the Wolverines. Tate should be a significant part of the game plan.

2.39 Niki Prongos, OT, Stanford

Sep 13, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman Niki Prongos (66) blocks against Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Ty Clemons (90) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Niki Prongos is a diamond in the rough at Palo Alto. The Stanford tackle has prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-7, 310 pounds. Prongos started his college career as a walk-on at UCLA, as did Browns rookie linebacker and Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Carson Schwesinger. Prongos started across the line for UCLA during his first three seasons with the team. Since transferring to Stanford, Prongos has lined up at left tackle. He's played well for the Cardinals.

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Prongos' strength is what jumps out on tape. He has powerful hands. He can knock heads back at the point of attack. He also has incredible grip strength. If he can get his hand latched onto a collar, it doesn't leave until the echoes of the whistle. Prongos is more of an athlete than a football player at this point. He's a very raw prospect with top-notch traits. He doesn't play with good technique or consistency. He plays a little high, and he must improve his core strength. Prongos is a good pass blocker who can quickly stalemate pass rushers. In the run game, he struggles with sustaining blocks. Prongos has the tools to develop into the top tackle in the draft class. He'll need time and NFL coaching to reach his potential. Prongos must improve his footwork and leverage.

The league is desperate for offensive tackles, and in a weak class, Prongos stands out. Few draft-eligible tackles will measure up to him. Teams that prioritize size benchmarks will have Prongos near the top of their big boards. Prongos's size and strength set him apart from the rest of the class. He's a traditional offensive tackle. His work ethic, going from a walk-on to a starter, will impress teams. Prongos has continued to improve throughout the season. He still has a long way to go to reach his potential. His median outcome is a good tackle, with his top end being All-Pro-level. The tools and the work ethic are there. He needs time. He's a player worth betting on.

3.70 Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 01: Duke Blue Devils defense swarm Antonio Williams #0 of the Clemson Tigers during the first half of a football game at Memorial Stadium on November 01, 2025 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

Antonio Williams has had a really challenging season. The star wide receiver from Clemson missed the start of the season due to an injury. The redshirt junior missed his sophomore season due to a couple of lower leg injuries. He is an incredibly talented receiver whose career was marred by injuries. Despite the injuries, Williams will enter Clemson's stats books as one of the Tigers' most productive receivers. Williams has recorded 201 receptions for over 2,200 yards and 21 touchdowns in his 42 games played. Only Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, and he have over 200 receptions and 20 touchdowns in Clemson history.

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Williams is a hyper-athletic receiver. The 6-foot, 190-pound receiver is a speedster who can score any time he touches the ball. Williams is an incredible route runner. He's a smooth athlete who can quickly accelerate to create space. Williams is a smart route runner. He paces his routes well and hunts the cornerback's blind spots. Against zone coverage, Williams knows how to exploit soft spots in the coverage. He'll sink between defenders, giving an excellent target for quarterbacks. After the catch, Williams is a shifty ball carrier who can squeeze by defenders. Williams is a special receiver, and it's a shame that injuries robbed him of an extraordinary career. However, the wide receiver is ready for the next level.

Williams is headed to the NFL. He posted a caption after the Tigers' Senior Day victory over Furman, stating it'd be his last time in Death Valley. Williams has one last chance to impress with a game against in-state rivals South Carolina. South Carolina boasts some of the top defensive backs in the nation. He should get a chance to battle against Brandon Cisse. Williams has an excellent opportunity to end his collegiate career with an exclamation point. A productive win against South Carolina would help cement his legacy and impress scouts.

4. Max Iheanachor, OG, Arizona State

Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) blocks Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Trevion Williams (23) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Max Iheanachor is one of the most unheralded offensive linemen in college football. He is the starting left tackle for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Iheanachor is very new to football. He grew up in Nigeria playing soccer and basketball. His family immigrated when he was a teenager, and he played basketball in high school. Iheanachor didn't step onto a football field until 2021, when he enrolled at East Los Angeles College. He quickly picked up the game and became one of the top-ranked junior college prospects. Iheanachor joined the Sun Devils and has helped lead them to great success, including a College Football Playoff run.

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The 6-foot-5 lineman will need to scoot inside at the next level. Iheanachor is a talented lineman. He does a good job of protecting Sam Leavitt's blindside. But he doesn't possess the size and athleticism needed to protect the edge in the NFL. However, he should develop into a high-quality NFL guard. Iheanachor's first step is his special skill. He's always the first to initiate contact at the point of attack. Defensive linemen are rarely prepared for his short-area quickness. He can catch them on down blocks from bad angles or clear them out as a puller.

Iheanachor is a lineman you want on the move. He plays low to the ground with natural leverage. Iheanachor must play with better control. He tends to overshoot his landmarks in the run game. Iheanachor is a solid pass protector. He must improve his anchor. He gets pushed back a little too easily. Overall, Iheanachor is a good guard prospect in a deep class.

5. Devin Moore, CB, Florida

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Devin Moore (28) reaches for a ball intended for the Georgia Bulldogs in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Devin Moore is one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC. Moore is the right outside cornerback for the Florida Gators. The senior has prototypical size for the position at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Moore was a four-star safety recruit before converting to cornerback last season. Moore plays cornerback like a safety.

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He's aggressive; he triggers quickly in zone coverage and tracks the ball well. Moore must refine his man-coverage techniques. He needs to improve rerouting receivers in press coverage. Moore is a very impressive cornerback, and he'd be a great fit in the Browns' system. They're looking for corners with a rare blend of size and speed. Moore fits the mold for what the Browns like out of cornerbacks.

5 (via the Raiders). McKale Boley, OG, Virginia

Nov 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Virginia Cavaliers offensive lineman McKale Boley (52) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

McKale Boley is the starting left tackle for the Virginia Cavaliers. Boley is the son of former NFL linebacker Michael Boley. He's a significant reason why Virginia has had an incredibly successful season. He's a great protector in the trenches. He's a solid pass protector and a good run blocker. Boley is 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, and will need to shift inside at the next level. Boley is a powerful player with great athleticism.

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He has a nasty punch to stonewall defenders. He does a great job of sealing off lanes in the run game. Unfortunately, Boley is a prolific hip bender; he loves to get over his feet and lean on defenders. It's the reason he struggles to sustain blocks and finish defenders. He'll need to correct his technique to have an NFL career. Boley has all the tools to become a quality starter, but he must learn to use them.

5 (via the Bengals). Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) intercepts a pass to Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Michael Taaffe is one of the defensive leaders for the Texas Longhorns. The do-everything safety has been a weapon for them. The redshirt senior started his career as a walk-on for his hometown university. Taafe worked his way up from special team grunt to star safety. Taaffe is someone who loves to play football. His determination is evident when he's in pursuit or on a blitz. He does not let any angle or any blocker slow him down.

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Taaffe plays a little too out of control, and he misses a fair number of tackles. Taaffe is a good player who will earn a place in the NFL due to his special teams skills. Taaffe must improve his coverage skills at the next level. He's looked out of place when he's played field safety for the Longhorns. He can get lost in coverage. Taaffe will have an excellent opportunity to prove his skills against a talented Texas A&M passing attack.

6 (via the Bears). Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech

Oct 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg (99) reacts after a tackle against the Syracuse Orange in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Jordan van den Berg is the monster in the middle for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He's a 6-foot-2, 310-pound defensive tackle. He is a top run defender and closes lanes in the trenches. Van den Berg is incredibly strong. He consistently knocks back offensive linemen. He can add traffic to a running back's path. When they're near him, he can toss blockers two gaps away. The redshirt senior is a really impressive defensive tackle. He'll be an integral part of the Yellow Jackets' game plan to slow down the Georgia Bulldogs' brutal rushing attack.

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7 (via the Seahawks). De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

Oct 18, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) runs for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of the game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

De'Zhaun Stribling is a prototypical X receiver. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver is one of the fastest players in college. He's been a productive receiver since his freshman season at Washington State. Once Cam Ward joined the Cougars, Stribling's career took off. He would transfer to Oklahoma State in 2023.

He sustained a season-ending injury in his first year with the Cowboys. He returned in 2024 and had a career year, catching 52 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns. Stribling joined the Ole Miss Rebels, and he's currently tied for the team high in receiving touchdowns. Stribling's targets have nose dived with the Rebels, but he's still a productive receiver. He'll need to learn to run a proper route tree in the NFL. Overall, Stribling is an exciting prospect whose elite size and speed can keep him a spot on the end of the roster until he develops into a real receiver.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns grab Alabama QB in latest mock draft to kick off Rivalry Week

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