Browns predicted to add Shedeur Sanders replacement in first round of 2026 NFL Draft

Browns predicted to add Shedeur Sanders replacement in first round of 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After starting the season as the fourth quarterback on the Cleveland Browns’ depth chart, Shedeur Sanders has worked all the way up to the starting spot. Sanders has stared the last two games for Cleveland, and the Browns are open to giving him an extended look for the rest of the season. And why not? They don’t really have anything to lose by allowing Sanders to show his stuff, either good or bad.

But, is Sanders the quarterback of the future in Cleveland? That remains to be seen, but Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports doesn’t seem to think so. In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Wilson has the Browns selecting Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with their first overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Browns add Oregon QB Dante Moore in first round of 2026 NFL mock draft

Moore is the second quarterback off the board in Wilson’s mock. He has the New Orleans Saints selecting Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza a couple of picks prior.

From Wilson:

“Moore is a composed, confident pocket passer who thrives under pressure, consistently working through progressions and delivering accurate, tight-window throws with anticipation. He's highly effective when moving the launch point, showing the arm strength and touch to attack every level of the field -- often off-platform. While not a true dual-threat, Moore's poise, vision, and athleticism allow him to extend plays and create when protection breaks down, and he repeatedly shows up in big moments." 

The Browns selected two QBS in the draft last year. They took Dillon Gabriel in the third round and then selected Sanders in the fifth round. While both guys have shown flashes, neither has solidified themselves as the clear-cut quarterback of the future. So, it wouldn’t necessarily be shocking if the Browns went with another QB this year.

Moore is a high upside player who has thrown for over 2,700 yards and 24 touchdowns for Oregon this season. He's widely projected to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in April, and perhaps he'll be heading to Cleveland.

But if Sanders plays really well during the final weeks of the season and proves that maybe he can be the man moving forward, that could potentially alter Cleveland’s draft plans.