Despite being one of the consensus winners of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns still aren't getting much national love. Oddsmakers don't seem to like their chances of improving much this season, instead making them a favorite to pick inside the top 10 once again in 2027.
If that's indeed the case, the Browns would land right in the middle of one of the most hyped-up quarterback classes in recent memory. Given his bloodline, Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning could soon emerge as the headliner of that group.
While taking a closer look at Manning's three most likely landing spots — the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Browns — ESPN analyst Mina Kimes argued that the Browns have done the best job of setting their future quarterback up for success.
"It's the Cleveland Browns that really caught my attention. Start with the receivers: KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston," Kimes stated. "They have invested heavily in that (OL) group... If I'm Arch Manning, part of me... Crazy enough to say, 'I think I want to play for the Cleveland Browns.'"
Cleveland suddenly looks like a quarterback-friendly destination
There's simply no logical way to argue with Kimes on this one. The Browns already have a great defense, added an offensive-minded head coach, and have spent significant resources on improving their offense this offseason.
With that said — there's simply no way the Manning family would allow Arch to land in Cleveland.
The Mannings being extremely intentional with his career, from keeping him somewhat ostracized in high school, to sending him to Texas and then having him stay in school for 2027. He's his own man, though, and the Browns would have every right to draft him if the opportunity presents itself.
This could also end up being a moot point if the Browns' offense catches up to its defense in 2026. Contrary to popular belief, they're not a lock to pick inside the top three next year. GM Andrew Berry could always find ways to trade up, but the New York Jets, who hold three first-round selections in the 2027 draft, should be best positioned to control the board.
Overall, there's no clear path for the Browns to land Manning. There are just too many unknowns at this point. At this time last season, he was projected to be the undisputed No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. He ended up returning to Texas instead.
The Browns' quarterback of the future might not be on the current roster, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. As Kimes said, they've taken a big step toward building the roster around the QB position. What comes next will be decided over the next 350 or so days.
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