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NFL draft prediction sees Browns bail on Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel for new quarterback

The Cleveland Browns are hoping one of Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel will be the team's future at quarterback.

Cleveland is starting Joe Flacco to begin the season, but the team would be wise to get a look at their young signal-callers in real game action at some point in order to determine if they need to take another quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft.

Pro Football & Sports Network's James Fragoza envisions the Browns bailing on both Sanders and Gabriel next year in favor of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who he mocked to the Browns with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 draft.

Here's what Fragoza said about his prediction:

The Saints punted on the QB class in favor of taking a “sure thing” with the first pick, but the Cleveland Browns have to keep swinging for the fences until they finally find the face of their franchise. If Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders can’t beat out a 40-year-old Joe Flacco, they likely aren’t it.

Enter Garrett Nussmeier. Just watch his tape against the Clemson Tigers in Week 1. Was it perfect? No, but it showcased a college QB that clearly understands the intricacies of the position and has the tools to capitalize on that knowledge.

Nussmeier put himself on the map in 2024 after throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns to 12 picks.

Over two games this season, Nussmeier has completed 68.4% of his passes for 469 yards and two touchdowns to one interception.

Here's more on Nussmeier, courtesy of Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com:

There is a lot to like about Nussmeier's game. It's easy to notice how in command he is by the way he orchestrates the offense at the line of scrimmage. He lines everyone up properly and directs traffic based on what he sees from the defense. He's a quick processor, regularly racing through progressions to find his third option. He has a tight/compact delivery and throws a soft/catchable ball.

I love his toughness to hang in the pocket and deliver strikes when absorbing big hits. He's a clunky mover, but he still manages to evade free runners at times, creating outside of the play structure. He has excellent touch on the deep ball and is also adept on over/under throws (over linebackers/under safeties).

Nussmeier could very well be the first quarterback off the board in 2026, but first he'll have to cement himself with a strong 2025 showing.

Ideally, the Browns find out that Sanders or Gabriel is indeed the answer and use their projected high pick on another position of need.

However, with the jury still out on both young quarterbacks, it's isn't crazy to think Cleveland could opt to take another in 2026.