Tell me if you've heard this one before: the Cleveland Browns have a quarterback problem.
Cleveland drafted two quarterbacks in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2026, but Gabriel has not been good so far and we still have no clue what Sanders is, although him being a fifth-round pick doesn't give much hope.
Deshaun Watson is still lurking in the shadows as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles, but we already know he stinks and the Browns probably hope he never sees another snap in Cleveland.
If the Browns get through the rest of this season and find out neither Gabriel nor Sanders are the answer, they could spend their early first-round pick on another quarterback.
Ayrton Ostly of USA TODAY believes that's exactly the approach the Browns will take, as he predicted Cleveland will draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 4 draft selection in 2026.
Cleveland can't believe their luck that Mendoza fell to them at No. 4. The Indiana passer should be an immediate upgrade at the position who brings a high floor from his time with the Hoosiers. He should operate like a point guard for the Browns with his quick release, accuracy and pocket mobility.
It would be surprising if Mendoza, who is in the eyes of many, the clear-cut QB1 in next year's draft class right now, falls to No. 4. But with the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants all picking ahead of Cleveland in Ostly's mock, it's possible considering all three could already have their long-term quarterback solutions on the roster.
That said, the Browns would have to be wary of another team jumping ahead of them, so general manager Andrew Berry will still have to be vigilant in that scenario.
If the Browns can come away with Mendoza, it would be a huge victory.
The Indiana product began ascending in 2024 and he has not dropped off at all in 2025 after transferring to Indiana.
Mendoza has completed a whopping 71.3% of his passes for 2,342 yards and 26 touchdowns to just five picks. His 26 passing scores are tops in the FBS.
Not only does Mendoza possess elite arm talent and accuracy that allows him to make all the throws, he also has plus athleticism that enables him to escape the pressure and make plays with his legs.
The Browns will probably face ridicule for drafting three quarterbacks in two years, but none of that will matter if Mendoza turns out to be the guy Cleveland has been looking for.
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