It’s no surprise the Cleveland Browns will target a quarterback early in the 2027 NFL Draft. In a loaded draft class with many top names, the Browns will have two Round One selections following the Myles Garrett trade. This upcoming season, Shedeur Sanders will get an opportunity to prove he’s the guy, but he will have to blow away the organization for them to pass on a quarterback in 2027. Below are some of the top quarterback prospects that fit Cleveland’s plan moving forward.
2025 Stats: 3,163 Yards, 26 TDs, 7 INTs
Arch Manning, over the past couple of seasons, has been labeled the best quarterback in college football. 2025 was his first full year starting, and while there were ups and downs, you see the making of an elite player. At 6’4, Manning has the tools and athleticism to become the number one overall pick. The Texas Longhorns didn’t live up to the preseason hype, but Manning had an overall solid season, giving them a chance at the College Football Playoff.
The Browns have been connected to Manning since the day he got on campus. Cleveland’s owner, Jimmy Haslem, has a long-standing relationship with the Manning family, leading many to speculate about the connection in the near future. The 2026 college season will be huge for Manning, where he can solidify himself as the best quarterback in this class.
Texas has upgraded its receiver room, adding All-American Cam Coleman to the room, giving Manning his true number one receiver for the upcoming season. The sky is the limit for Manning and the Longhorns this season, with high expectations in their conference and into the playoffs.
The Browns would love to add a player of Manning’s caliber, but they will need to have a high selection in the upcoming draft.
2025 Stats: 3,565 Yards, 30 TDs, 10 INTs
Many people were surprised that Dante Moore didn’t declare for this past draft, given how weak the quarterback position was. With that being said, Moore put on a clinic last year in Eugene and looked like one of the most complete QB’s in the country. The Oregon Ducks fell short of reaching the National Championship game, but Moore had a very productive first season as the starting quarterback.
Accuracy and getting the ball out quickly are Moore’s bread and butter. As a runner, he’s mobile, but not considered a dual-threat. The Ducks’ offense thrived in the long passing game, and Moore’s deep ball accuracy was a major reason why.
Much speculation comes with Moore not declaring to avoid being selected by the New York Jets, but another season with Dan Lanning in Oregon is great for his development. At 6’3 206 pounds, there are some concerns with his size at the next level, but nothing substantial to worry about. A player surely on Cleveland’s radar will look to build off his Heisman-caliber 2025 campaign.
2025 Stats: 3,973 Yards, 34 TDs, 6 INTs
One of the biggest risers from this past college football season has been Darian Mensah. The former Duke Blue Devils quarterback took them to the ACC Championship in his first season and won the conference. This upcoming season, Mensah will be the quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes, as they look to get back to the National Championship.
Mensah thrives as a passer, making throws and reads at all three levels. He also displays great football IQ, making throws against matchup advantages created by his receivers. Disciplined, accurate, and composed are terms you can use to describe Mensah, and in the NFL, you must have those to succeed.
Mensah is viewed as a Round One prospect, but a big 2026 campaign could drastically improve his stock and make him a top QB in this class. Playing on an explosive offense with Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher Jr also doesn’t hurt, giving Mensah key weapons to utilize. The ACC is also a weaker Power Four conference, giving the Hurricanes a lighter schedule than other top consensus teams.
Moore, as one of the more intriguing players in this class, has all the traits and tools the Browns are looking for in their franchise guy.
2025 Stats: 4,379 Yards, 34 TDs, 9 INTs
Another late riser with impressive arm talent is the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ Drew Mestemaker. In 2025, he led college football in passing yards with over 4,300 yards in 14 games. After a breakout season with the North Texas Mean Green, Mestemaker followed his head coach, Eric Morris, and transferred to Oklahoma State.
Similar to Manning in size, Mestemaker makes plays with his arm and his feet. He fits the ball into tight windows and works through his progressions quickly and efficiently. While some mechanical issues and techniques need to be fixed, the talent is there.
Following a few atrocious seasons, the Cowboys will look a lot different with Mestemaker under center. The Big 12 is a very competitive conference with a lot of teams being close in skill level. While he may not put up the numbers he did with North Texas, expect Oklahoma State to thrive in the passing game at all three levels. Mestemaker will finally have the opportunity to show off his talent to be a first-round selection in 2027.
Mestemaker is a player on Cleveland’s radar who can do it all with elite size and arm talent.
2025 Stats: 3,711 Yards, 24 TDs, 10 INTs
Jayden Maiava is a player who has gone somewhat under the radar heading into 2026. Last season was a step in the right direction for the University of Southern California Trojans, and the offense was a big reason why. They had a great receiving core featuring Makai Lemon and Jakobi Lane, but Maiava elevated the entire passing game. He cleaned up the turnovers from 2024 and utilized his legs as a runner.
Watching Maiava play, there are many things to like, including his size, deep ball, and pocket presence. As the new college football season approaches, Maiava isn’t in the top tier of QB prospects, but many think he could take that leap into the Round One to Round Two range.
USC will once again have a loaded roster, and Maiava will be throwing to top recruits behind a solidified offensive line. This very well could be the season the Trojans make noise in the BIG 10 and reach the college football playoff. For that to happen, Maiava will have to play like a Heisman contender and lead this team through a gauntlet schedule.
In a deep quarterback class, Maiava has seemed to fall between the cracks and could be the steal of the draft in the second to third round.
Have a reaction? Join the Stadium Rant iPhone App open sports community and tell us.
Whatever selection the Browns end up with, the quarterback will be the most scouted and talked about position. Once again, we head into another season with a question mark at the position and mid-round draft picks competing for the starting job. Cleveland’s General Manager, Andrew Berry, as well as ownership, want a franchise quarterback, and the moves they made this offseason have put them in a position to get one of these prospects in 2027.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
