The Cleveland Browns caused a major stir in the 2025 NFL draft, one that was still felt throughout the 2025 season, when they used not one, but two mid-round picks on quarterbacks. And not just any quarterbacks. First was six-year collegian Dillon Gabriel, the polished by undersize passer from Oregon in the third round. And next was Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, the fringe first-round prospect who shocking drop all the way to the fifth round was the story of the draft.
Both Gabriel and Sanders got chances to start for the 5-12 Browns last season, with Gabriel going 1-5 and Sanders going 3-4. It all could have been much different, though, had the guy the Browns were rumored to be after last spring–Penn State’s Drew Allar, who is from Medina, Ohio–decided to enter tine draft.
Allar passed and went back to college. He had a poor season, though, and his NFL draft stock has dropped precipitously. His bad fortune, though, could be an opportunity for the Browns, who could still use one of their nine picks in the upcoming draft to get hold of Allar.
Browns Were Looking at Drew Allar in 2025
According to Browns color analyst Nathan Zegura, that would be a nifty outcome in Cleveland. There has been speculation about Ty Simpson, whose family maintains a relationship with Browns coach Todd Monken after Monken recruited him in college (while Monken was the offensive coordinator for Georgia).
But it could take a first-round pick to land Simpson, and the Browns are unlikely to go that route. Allar remains someone to watch, Zegura said.
Speaking on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, he noted: “Could Ty Simpson be somebody that really intrigues them that they think is a real, likely answer? Possibly. Would I be surprised if he was taken in the 1st round by the Cleveland Browns? Yes, I would. What I think is more likely is a guy like Drew Allar, who the Browns were very, very high on. I think there’s a good chance Drew Allar is a Cleveland Brown. I could see them taking a flyer on Drew Allar on the third or fouth round.”
Browns QB Competition Setting Up as Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson
Increasingly, it looks like the Browns’ quarterback room will be set up with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson as the two primary competitors, with Gabriel also in the mix. There is likely to be a fourth, whether a late trade addition, a bargain free-agent signing or a draftee.
But the Browns are looking to this draft to fill another hole at offensive line (left tackle) while also likely adding a depth piece on the line. There’s also a need for a top receiver–and again, maybe two. Cleveland needs a backup tight end, as well. Adding a quarterback is on the list of priorities, but it is not the top of that list.
After picks No. 6 and 24, the Browns also have No. 39 in the second round and No. 70 in the third round. They have No. 107 in the fourth round, and then have two fifth rounders plus their sixth- and seventh-round picks.
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will compete for the starting job.
Drew Allar Has an ‘Effortless Arm’
As for Allar, the NFL.com scouting report has some pluses that might interest the Browns, but it will be interesting, too, to consider whether the Browns have the same level of interest now that Monken is the head coach instead of Kevin Stefanski.
“Allar looks the part with prototypical size and an effortless arm that can make any NFL throw. However, inconsistent touch and ball placement are a major hindrance. In big moments and big games, he hasn’t proven he can rise to the occasion or sustain efficiency. The stats looked good in a conservative offense as a sophomore, but his play became more erratic once the playbook was opened up and more responsibility was put on his plate. … Mechanical fixes are possible, but confidence, poise and recognition must be the foundation of any rebound. Allar projects as an average backup with high-end traits.”
Browns ‘Very High’ on Local Star Quarterback