Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns have names like Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, and Dillon Gabriel on their depth chart. According to Derek Carr, these players are enough to avoid drafting another quarterback in the upcoming Draft.
“If we leave this first round…yeah, with If I were to tell you, ‘Hey, Dave, Yeah. You’re the Cleveland Browns. You’re going to leave with Carnell Tate and Kadyn Proctor,’” Carr said on his podcast, Home Grown with David & Derek Carr.
“Would you not sign up for that if you’re a Cleveland Browns fan? Shedeur is excited. Especially. Let’s not forget about Deshaun. Yeah. We got Deshaun’s there, too. Lot of quarterbacks, so we’re good. We got we got enough talent in that room to win football. But I guess what? If we aren’t upright, it don’t matter.”
Protect the quarterback
Securing the No. 6 overall pick provides a prime opportunity to bolster the offensive line and ensure better protection for the quarterback, especially after a season plagued by sacks and pressure. By selecting an elite tackle, the front office can solidify the pocket and provide the necessary security for whoever is under center to operate efficiently.
Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns
Two standout collegiate prospects who could be available at that spot are Francis Mauigoa from Miami and Georgia’s Monroe Freeling.
Plenty for Shedeur to improve
Shedeur Sanders had a rollercoaster rookie season with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In 8 games (7 starts), he threw for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 56.6% completion rate, adding one rushing score and 169 yards on the ground.
While he flashed potential—highlighted by a 364-yard game against the Titans and a surprising Pro Bowl nod—his development moving forward will depend on improving his decision-making under pressure and reducing his league-high average time-to-throw.
To take the next step in 2026, Shedeur must focus on quicker processing and avoiding unnecessary sacks to become a more consistent and efficient starter in the NFL.
Will Deshaun Watson play in 2026?
Deshaun Watson is expected to play in 2026 as he enters the final year of his guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns. After missing the entire 2025 season due to a re-ruptured Achilles, Watson is reportedly back in “great shape” and will participate in the team’s offseason program.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns
Major decisions for the Browns
With Todd Monken at the helm, fans in the Browns’ Dawg Pound are eagerly awaiting the upcoming NFL Draft. Will they follow Derek Carr’s request to avoid selecting a quarterback, or will they instead look to strengthen that position on the roster? Here are the picks they will have at their disposal:
- Round 1 – Pick 6
- Round 1 – Pick 24 (via Jaguars)
- Round 2 – Pick 39
- Round 3 – Pick 70
- Round 4 – Pick 107
- Round 5 – Pick 146
- Round 5 – Pick 149 (via Bengals)
- Round 6 – Pick 206 (via Bears)
- Round 7 – Pick 248 (via Seahawks)
