The Cleveland Browns have been mostly competitive since rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders took over the starting job, which is reflected in the first-round order of the 2026 NFL draft.
Sanders led a game-winning field goal drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, which ended the Browns’ season at a record of 5-12. The victory, Cleveland’s second in a row and the third in Sanders’ seven starts in 2025, dropped the Browns from No. 6 to the No. 7 overall pick next April.
Cleveland is currently the only team in the league with a record of 5-12, though the Washington Commanders could match that mark with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. But even if that happens, the Browns will remain seventh.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will also send Cleveland their first-round pick next spring via a trade during the 2025 draft, in which the Browns dropped from No. 2 to No. 5 and selected defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Jacksonville currently holds the No. 28 pick, though that could change based on Week 18 results across the league and how the playoffs shake out over the coming month.
Shedeur Sanders Should Benefit From Browns Picking Later in First Round of NFL Draft
GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders has done himself nothing but favors with regards to Cleveland’s success down the stretch.
He finished his rookie year with a 3-4 record as the starter across eight appearances. Sanders tallied 1,400 passing yards, seven TDs and 10 INTs to go along with 143 rushing yards and one score.
And while Sanders’ number were not overly impressive, he showed leadership and poise in helping guide the Browns to two straight wins to finish the year. Cleveland also nearly bested the Buffalo Bills in Week 16.
None of that is going to guarantee Sanders the QB1 role in 2026. However, he has clearly surpassed fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, while veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are both playing for different teams after entering the preseason ahead of Sanders on the depth chart.
Browns’ Situation on Offense Should Improve Over Offseason, as Should Shedeur Sanders
GettyCleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
At the very least, Sanders has earned himself a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job in Week 1, which means he should see some work with the first-team offense throughout the spring and summer of 2026 — an opportunity he never got in 2025.
The Browns had a dreadful offensive line this season, entering Week 18 with the 30th-ranked unit in the league, per Pro Football Focus.
Cleveland will certainly pursue improvements along the offensive front and will also likely pick up a true No. 1 wide receiver to take over for Jerry Jeudy, who has occupied that spot for the better part of two years by default.
Another offseason of work, study and development for Sanders should mean improvements. Standout rookies on offense, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and running back Quinshon Judkins, both of whom finished this campaign injured, will be healthy next fall and should also have improved.
Cleveland is certain to, at the very least, bring in a veteran or two to compete with Sanders for the QB1 job in 2026. The Browns profiled as a candidate to draft a rookie quarterback high in the first round this spring, though the class has thinned out and may now offer just two true franchise prospects in Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Dante Moore of Oregon.
Cleveland probably can’t land either player without trading up, which is less feasible given the team’s fall to No. 7, the reasonable play of Sanders down the stretch and the fact that the 2027 QB class could be among the deepest in recent memory.
Browns’ Pick in 2026 NFL Draft Revealed After Win Over Bengals