The 2026 NFL DRAFT QB derby watch!
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I wish I would’ve actually watched the Indiana vs Illinois game, but I tuned out because it was a laugher. I’m curious about Mendoza.
He will get some Flacco comps. (Size, stands tall in the pocket and lumbers a bit - not Joe speed now)
He has a quick release and was very accurate Saturday but Illinois was awful. Lots of bubble screens but had some nice zip and ball placement on slant routes. He didnt make too many tough throws lots of YAC.
He will get some Flacco comps. (Size, stands tall in the pocket and lumbers a bit - not Joe speed now)
He has a quick release and was very accurate Saturday but Illinois was awful. Lots of bubble screens but had some nice zip and ball placement on slant routes. He didnt make too many tough throws lots of YAC.
Hard to believe Illinois was favored in that game this time last week.
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I'm not sure there really is a better QB than either rookie we now have. OL and WR 1.
You aren't sure there is a QB in college now that is better than either rookie who haven't played one down in the regular season of an NFL game?
One rookie that I would guess the overall feeling is the Browns drafted a round or two early, and another rookie who seemingly is even behind THAT guy in the eyes of the coaching staff.
The Browns will have a top 10 pick.
You aren't sure there is a QB in college now that is better than either rookie who haven't played one down in the regular season of an NFL game?
One rookie that I would guess the overall feeling is the Browns drafted a round or two early, and another rookie who seemingly is even behind THAT guy in the eyes of the coaching staff.
The Browns will have a top 10 pick.
Didn't they just have the #2 overall pick? The problem is the supply of football messiahs at QB didn't meet the demand for one as early as #2 overall. So, yeah they traded back to #5 overall and got a sure thing at DT + an extra 1st round pick next year.
WHO is assuring you that has changed this year? A guy at LSU in a program that always has WRs like Jarvis Landry, Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Brian Thomas Jr, Malik Nabors, etc not to mention a LT (Will Campbell) good enough to be drafted at #4 overall. What does Cleveland offer Nussmeier that would be remotely close to that? 1 more episode of oft-injured projected starting tackles Dawand Jones & Jack Conklin + a Jerry Jeudy on the perimeter as the #1 WR here hoping his inability to separate doesn't come back to haunt him like it did in Denver. This has culture shock written all over it for a guy spoiled with everything at LSU. Meanwhile Bitonio continues to think about retirement every bit as much as his next opponent.
And then there's McShay's early favorite - a 1-3 Cade Klubnik (who's only about 1 inch taller Gabriel) that can't even carry a program like Clemson right now. All of sudden, guess who can't coach? Yabo Dabo Dooo!
Some guys put all their marbles into the 2026 draft for their QB savior here. Gotta tell ya - these guys look more like the QBs the Browns just drafted. Some can be great for an organization & ownership that is patient enough to develop one. In particular, LaNorris Sellers (SC) & Sam Leavitt (ASU). Then there's Drew Allar where any time you see his name the 2 words that often seem to follow are "Yeah But" - and why? For the guys in here endlessly searching for the next from Ohio - He's not Bernie Kosar yet but he's better than previous Calfox fave Charlie Frye once upon a time. I think the worry is he's gonna end up like Brady Quinn or Mitch Trubisky. Tough to say because I stink at pegging QBs and 1 more year looking at a draft without any QB prospects full of miracles the job in Cleveland will demand.
Brian Sipe was an accident turned beneficiary of the disaster that came from trading HOF WR Paul Warfield to Miami for the 3rd overall pick to draft Mike Phipps. Sipe was a 13th round pick because he lacked the arm strength most teams were looking for; but he was good enough to keep around on the bench learning for a long time before he had to step into his fate. Phipps was a guy that got overrated by the Browns for enormous perceived need here. Today, our next Sipe could be Dillon Gabriel who's only about 1" shorter with a much stronger arm. If we don't get a Tackle or 2 that can provide reliability on the edge - it makes life and learning curves impossible for the young QB in training as well as a fair evaluation process here. We also need a WR.
If it wasn't for 1 Supplemental Draft during my lifetime as a fan (85 - Kosar) - who has been the 1st round Keeper at QB here? There is no Mike Evans here that made a star out of Johnny Manziel at A&M and had Tom Brady wanting in on 100% of the Evans & Godwin tandem that would also entice Gronk to unretire. They also drafted OT Tristan Wirfs who allegedly would never be able to play LT. Guess how many Pro Bowls he's made there since he moved there from RT? Someone researched work ethic in the same draft nobody did that with Wills.
I welcome the only Defensive Coordinator to earn a Superbowl Ring in New Orleans while understanding Revenge of the Nerds is a sequel. "Come get some!" -
He will get some Flacco comps. (Size, stands tall in the pocket and lumbers a bit - not Joe speed now)
He has a quick release and was very accurate Saturday but Illinois was awful. Lots of bubble screens but had some nice zip and ball placement on slant routes. He didnt make too many tough throws lots of YAC.
Hard to believe Illinois was favored in that game this time last week.
Hard to believe Illinois was favored in that game this time last week.
I thought Indiana was a 3 or 4 point favorite and it ballooned up to just under a TD. Indiana is better at QB this year I don’t know about the rest of the team, but being pretty good there means you have a pretty good shot in any game
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guys we’ve relayed on heavily the past 3/4 years
Bitonio 2nd round
Teller 5th round
Pocic 2nd round
Wills 1st Round Top 10
Dawand Jones 4th round
Jack Conklin 1st Top 10
James Hudson 4th round
Not putting this out here to say you cant rely on the 4th rounders or guys in top 10…but just saying they come in all rounds.
If we are in the top 10 the pick has to be Elite QB/Elite Pass rusher/Elite Blindside Protector/Elite Weapon. Arguably that order too. I’d mention corner too you need to find a unicorn though with the ticky tack rules favoring WRs and a guy like Caleb Down (S) may test this theory.
Going back to 2020 this regime took a tackle at 10 because of need. Remember Baker leaving clean pockets and getting sacked a lot in 2019? We took Wills who was the second tier of the tackles at 10.
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Hard to believe Illinois was favored in that game this time last week.
I thought Indiana was a 3 or 4 point favorite and it ballooned up to just under a TD. Indiana is better at QB this year I don’t know about the rest of the team, but being pretty good there means you have a pretty good shot in any game
I thought Indiana was a 3 or 4 point favorite and it ballooned up to just under a TD. Indiana is better at QB this year I don’t know about the rest of the team, but being pretty good there means you have a pretty good shot in any game
OUCH! I just double-checked you and you are correct. Good thing I don't bet on games. All that said, I was certain that would be a great matchup. And that turned out to be just as much of a hot mess as I just got myself into.
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guys we’ve relayed on heavily the past 3/4 years
Bitonio 2nd round
Teller 5th round
Pocic 2nd round
Wills 1st Round Top 10
Dawand Jones 4th round
Jack Conklin 1st Top 10
James Hudson 4th round
Not putting this out here to say you cant rely on the 4th rounders or guys in top 10…but just saying they come in all rounds.
If we are in the top 10 the pick has to be Elite QB/Elite Pass rusher/Elite Blindside Protector/Elite Weapon. Arguably that order too. I’d mention corner too you need to find a unicorn though with the ticky tack rules favoring WRs and a guy like Caleb Down (S) may test this theory.
Going back to 2020 this regime took a tackle at 10 because of need. Remember Baker leaving clean pockets and getting sacked a lot in 2019? We took Wills who was the second tier of the tackles at 10.
guys we’ve relayed on heavily the past 3/4 years
Bitonio 2nd round
Teller 5th round
Pocic 2nd round
Wills 1st Round Top 10
Dawand Jones 4th round
Jack Conklin 1st Top 10
James Hudson 4th round
Not putting this out here to say you cant rely on the 4th rounders or guys in top 10…but just saying they come in all rounds.
If we are in the top 10 the pick has to be Elite QB/Elite Pass rusher/Elite Blindside Protector/Elite Weapon. Arguably that order too. I’d mention corner too you need to find a unicorn though with the ticky tack rules favoring WRs and a guy like Caleb Down (S) may test this theory.
Going back to 2020 this regime took a tackle at 10 because of need. Remember Baker leaving clean pockets and getting sacked a lot in 2019? We took Wills who was the second tier of the tackles at 10.
Great points! Poor Joe Thomas was a 3rd overall pick that only cme close to playing in the playoffs his rookie year when the Browns went 10-6.
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Hard to believe Illinois was favored in that game this time last week.
I thought Indiana was a 3 or 4 point favorite and it ballooned up to just under a TD. Indiana is better at QB this year I don’t know about the rest of the team, but being pretty good there means you have a pretty good shot in any game
I thought Indiana was a 3 or 4 point favorite and it ballooned up to just under a TD. Indiana is better at QB this year I don’t know about the rest of the team, but being pretty good there means you have a pretty good shot in any game
I might have to hire you to keep me out of trouble!
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But this upcoming class of QBs does not appear any better to me than this years. That's really my point. Name one who is a high 1st rounder.
I’d say 26 is better. I agree we need a WR1 and an OT too.
Ward would up there in 2026 although he’s struggled this year.
Nussmeier and Sellers will be in mix.
Allar will convince some teams with his arm talent and some wise guys will believe he was held back at Penn State (can’t develope anything)Klubnik, Beck and Mateer are Dart level guys
Mendoza, Levitt are sleepers
Taylen Green vs Notre Dame this weekend is worth a watch he’s an athlete with some tools although raw
Klubnik, Beck and Mateer are Dart level guys
Klubnik is a 1st round pick...?
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Klubnik, Beck and Mateer are Dart level guys
Klubnik is a 1st round pick...?
Klubnik is a 1st round pick...?
No Dart was a reach. Klubnik in Round 1 would be a reach too
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guys we’ve relayed on heavily the past 3/4 years
Bitonio 2nd round
Teller 5th round
Pocic 2nd round
Wills 1st Round Top 10
Dawand Jones 4th round
Jack Conklin 1st Top 10
James Hudson 4th round
Not putting this out here to say you cant rely on the 4th rounders or guys in top 10…but just saying they come in all rounds.
If we are in the top 10 the pick has to be Elite QB/Elite Pass rusher/Elite Blindside Protector/Elite Weapon. Arguably that order too. I’d mention corner too you need to find a unicorn though with the ticky tack rules favoring WRs and a guy like Caleb Down (S) may test this theory.
Going back to 2020 this regime took a tackle at 10 because of need. Remember Baker leaving clean pockets and getting sacked a lot in 2019? We took Wills who was the second tier of the tackles at 10.
Great points! Poor Joe Thomas was a 3rd overall pick that only cme close to playing in the playoffs his rookie year when the Browns went 10-6.
Great points! Poor Joe Thomas was a 3rd overall pick that only cme close to playing in the playoffs his rookie year when the Browns went 10-6.
Don’t forget Alex Mack and we had Mitchell Schwartz along side Joe for seasons but we had slow processing QBs - and it didn’t matter
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You aren't sure there is a QB in college now that is better than either rookie who haven't played one down in the regular season of an NFL game?
One rookie that I would guess the overall feeling is the Browns drafted a round or two early, and another rookie who seemingly is even behind THAT guy in the eyes of the coaching staff.
The Browns will have a top 10 pick.
Didn't they just have the #2 overall pick? The problem is the supply of football messiahs at QB didn't meet the demand for one as early as #2 overall. So, yeah they traded back to #5 overall and got a sure thing at DT + an extra 1st round pick next year.
WHO is assuring you that has changed this year? A guy at LSU in a program that always has WRs like Jarvis Landry, Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Brian Thomas Jr, Malik Nabors, etc not to mention a LT (Will Campbell) good enough to be drafted at #4 overall. What does Cleveland offer Nussmeier that would be remotely close to that? 1 more episode of oft-injured projected starting tackles Dawand Jones & Jack Conklin + a Jerry Jeudy on the perimeter as the #1 WR here hoping his inability to separate doesn't come back to haunt him like it did in Denver. This has culture shock written all over it for a guy spoiled with everything at LSU. Meanwhile Bitonio continues to think about retirement every bit as much as his next opponent.
And then there's McShay's early favorite - a 1-3 Cade Klubnik (who's only about 1 inch taller Gabriel) that can't even carry a program like Clemson right now. All of sudden, guess who can't coach? Yabo Dabo Dooo!
Some guys put all their marbles into the 2026 draft for their QB savior here. Gotta tell ya - these guys look more like the QBs the Browns just drafted. Some can be great for an organization & ownership that is patient enough to develop one. In particular, LaNorris Sellers (SC) & Sam Leavitt (ASU). Then there's Drew Allar where any time you see his name the 2 words that often seem to follow are "Yeah But" - and why? For the guys in here endlessly searching for the next from Ohio - He's not Bernie Kosar yet but he's better than previous Calfox fave Charlie Frye once upon a time. I think the worry is he's gonna end up like Brady Quinn or Mitch Trubisky. Tough to say because I stink at pegging QBs and 1 more year looking at a draft without any QB prospects full of miracles the job in Cleveland will demand.
Brian Sipe was an accident turned beneficiary of the disaster that came from trading HOF WR Paul Warfield to Miami for the 3rd overall pick to draft Mike Phipps. Sipe was a 13th round pick because he lacked the arm strength most teams were looking for; but he was good enough to keep around on the bench learning for a long time before he had to step into his fate. Phipps was a guy that got overrated by the Browns for enormous perceived need here. Today, our next Sipe could be Dillon Gabriel who's only about 1" shorter with a much stronger arm. If we don't get a Tackle or 2 that can provide reliability on the edge - it makes life and learning curves impossible for the young QB in training as well as a fair evaluation process here. We also need a WR.
If it wasn't for 1 Supplemental Draft during my lifetime as a fan (85 - Kosar) - who has been the 1st round Keeper at QB here? There is no Mike Evans here that made a star out of Johnny Manziel at A&M and had Tom Brady wanting in on 100% of the Evans & Godwin tandem that would also entice Gronk to unretire. They also drafted OT Tristan Wirfs who allegedly would never be able to play LT. Guess how many Pro Bowls he's made there since he moved there from RT? Someone researched work ethic in the same draft nobody did that with Wills.
WHO is assuring you that has changed this?
It’s September. I’ll let the season play out, then see how the 2026 QB class shakes out vs where the Browns draft. If there’s a QB worth a high pick, I’ll advocate for him/them. If there isn’t, I won’t - unlike the small group on here that wanted the Browns to take Shadeur Sanders #2 overall because “we have to because he’s the second best QB and we need a QB” last offseason.
What I’m not going to do is join in on the pipe dream that the Browns franchise QB is one of these rookies so I can dream that we now have two first rounders next draft that we don’t have to use on a QB. The only reason we should not use one (or both) first rounders on a QB next draft is because there isn’t one worth taking.
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Don’t forget Alex Mack and we had Mitchell Schwartz along side Joe for seasons but we had slow processing QBs - and it didn’t matter
Good points. I think Schwartz played RT (and I think he played at the same college program at Cal that Mack did in a pretty efficient zone blocking scheme there under Jeff Tedford). Eric Steinbach played LG next to Joe Thomas as a Rookie. And current OL Coach for Detroit - Hank Fraley was a FA steal at Center back in 2006 (for a little while)
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WHO is assuring you that has changed this?
It’s September. I’ll let the season play out, then see how the 2026 QB class shakes out vs where the Browns draft. If there’s a QB worth a high pick, I’ll advocate for him/them. If there isn’t, I won’t - unlike the small group on here that wanted the Browns to take Shadeur Sanders #2 overall because “we have to because he’s the second best QB and we need a QB” last offseason.
What I’m not going to do is join in on the pipe dream that the Browns franchise QB is one of these rookies so I can dream that we now have two first rounders next draft that we don’t have to use on a QB. The only reason we should not use one (or both) first rounders on a QB next draft is because there isn’t one worth taking.
It’s September. I’ll let the season play out, then see how the 2026 QB class shakes out vs where the Browns draft. If there’s a QB worth a high pick, I’ll advocate for him/them. If there isn’t, I won’t - unlike the small group on here that wanted the Browns to take Shadeur Sanders #2 overall because “we have to because he’s the second best QB and we need a QB” last offseason.
What I’m not going to do is join in on the pipe dream that the Browns franchise QB is one of these rookies so I can dream that we now have two first rounders next draft that we don’t have to use on a QB. The only reason we should not use one (or both) first rounders on a QB next draft is because there isn’t one worth taking.
Nobody here drafted them - but there's no way to evaluate them without seeing them play. Otherwise, why waste the 2 draft picks when you're coming off a 3-14 record with all the needs this team had going into the draft.
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It’s September. I’ll let the season play out, then see how the 2026 QB class shakes out vs where the Browns draft. If there’s a QB worth a high pick, I’ll advocate for him/them. If there isn’t, I won’t - unlike the small group on here that wanted the Browns to take Shadeur Sanders #2 overall because “we have to because he’s the second best QB and we need a QB” last offseason.
What I’m not going to do is join in on the pipe dream that the Browns franchise QB is one of these rookies so I can dream that we now have two first rounders next draft that we don’t have to use on a QB. The only reason we should not use one (or both) first rounders on a QB next draft is because there isn’t one worth taking.
Nobody here drafted them - but there's no way to evaluate them without seeing them play. Otherwise, why waste the 2 draft picks when you're coming off a 3-14 record with all the needs this team had going into the draft.
Nobody here drafted them - but there's no way to evaluate them without seeing them play. Otherwise, why waste the 2 draft picks when you're coming off a 3-14 record with all the needs this team had going into the draft.
Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
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Nobody here drafted them - but there's no way to evaluate them without seeing them play. Otherwise, why waste the 2 draft picks when you're coming off a 3-14 record with all the needs this team had going into the draft.
Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
I hope you are right that at least one of the two starts and not just a couple at the meaningless end.
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Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
I hope you are right that at least one of the two starts and not just a couple at the meaningless end.
I hope you are right that at least one of the two starts and not just a couple at the meaningless end.
I’ll honestly be surprised if Gabriel isn’t starting by the end of October at the latest. I think they’ll let Flacco get through the next three opponents (Detroit, Pittsburgh and Minnesota) and then seriously consider making the switch to #8.
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Nobody here drafted them - but there's no way to evaluate them without seeing them play. Otherwise, why waste the 2 draft picks when you're coming off a 3-14 record with all the needs this team had going into the draft.
Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
This has less to do with September than what Flacco looks like the first 3 games. That's our elephant in the room with a visit to Detroit on deck. As much as I hate throwing a rookie out to that scenario - I can't see Flacco snapping out of it against a defense that swarmed and sacked Lamar Monday Night. I'm okay with starting Flacco as long as the Browns put in the relief pitcher as soon as it's warranted...
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Gabriel without a doubt will start games for the Browns. Once again, it’s September.
This has less to do with September than what Flacco looks like the first 3 games. That's our elephant in the room with a visit to Detroit on deck. As much as I hate throwing a rookie out to that scenario - I can't see Flacco snapping out of it against a defense that swarmed and sacked Lamar Monday Night. I'm okay with starting Flacco as long as the Browns put in the relief pitcher as soon as it's warranted...
This has less to do with September than what Flacco looks like the first 3 games. That's our elephant in the room with a visit to Detroit on deck. As much as I hate throwing a rookie out to that scenario - I can't see Flacco snapping out of it against a defense that swarmed and sacked Lamar Monday Night. I'm okay with starting Flacco as long as the Browns put in the relief pitcher as soon as it's warranted...
It's funny how everyone hates to throw rookie QBs in too early yet almost everyone can't resist the thought of throwing rookie QBs in too early.
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I hope you are right that at least one of the two starts and not just a couple at the meaningless end.
I’ll honestly be surprised if Gabriel isn’t starting by the end of October at the latest. I think they’ll let Flacco get through the next three opponents (Detroit, Pittsburgh and Minnesota) and then seriously consider making the switch to #8.
I think they’ll let Flacco get through the next three opponents (Detroit, Pittsburgh and Minnesota) and then seriously consider making the switch to #8.
I'm on record somewhere 'round here saying I thought he'd start at Pittsburgh or the following week at home. Of course that depends on how things are rolling at that time. If we're winning and Flacco is doing ok then there will be no changes made. Josh Cribbs doesn't think it will happen until we're eliminated from the playoff race.
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I'm not sure there really is a better QB than either rookie we now have. OL and WR 1.
You aren't sure there is a QB in college now that is better than either rookie who haven't played one down in the regular season of an NFL game?
One rookie that I would guess the overall feeling is the Browns drafted a round or two early, and another rookie who seemingly is even behind THAT guy in the eyes of the coaching staff.
The Browns will have a top 10 pick.
You aren't sure there is a QB in college now that is better than either rookie who haven't played one down in the regular season of an NFL game?
One rookie that I would guess the overall feeling is the Browns drafted a round or two early, and another rookie who seemingly is even behind THAT guy in the eyes of the coaching staff.
The Browns will have a top 10 pick.
Neither has any college QB, so I don't understand your comment?
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