Browns take 'massive unknown' QB prospect No. 1 overall in latest 2026 NFL mock draft

Jarrett Bailey

Browns take 'massive unknown' QB prospect No. 1 overall in latest 2026 NFL mock draft image

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season with one of the more polarizing quarterback situations in the NFL, with the likes of Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders fighting for the No. 1 spot. However, a new signal-caller seems bound to call Cleveland home in 2026. Jacob Infante of PFSN agrees.

In his recent seven-round mock draft, Infante has the Browns selecting Texas quarterback Arch Manning with the No. 1 overall pick.

"There’s no guarantee that Arch Manning will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft," Infante writes. "He’s a massive unknown at this stage, having only started in two games. But he has an impressive arm, makes smart decisions in the pocket, reads the field well, and offers better athleticism than either of his famous uncles, Peyton and Eli. Although the Cleveland Browns drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2025, neither came with the kind of draft capital that typically signals a long-term commitment. If Cleveland finishes with the league’s worst record, they’d be smart to take a swing at a true franchise QB."

Manning hasn't played a ton of college football, which has led many to believe he won't declare for the draft in 2026 and will stay another year at Texas. However, should he come out, there will be plenty of Browns fans that beg for Cleveland to take him.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Be sure to bookmark Cleveland Browns on The Sporting News for all the latest news, interviews, breakdowns, and more!

Jarrett Bailey

Jarrett Bailey is a freelance NFL writer for The Sporting News. He previously wrote for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network. Enjoyer of chocolate milk, metal music, Batman, pasta salad, and pro wrestling. There is nothing more breathtaking than a Jeff Hardy swanton bomb.