The Cleveland Browns might have a new quarterback in their future: Arch Manning. A new prediction by expert Matt Goul for the 2027 NFL Draft says that if the Browns keep struggling and get a high pick, they could choose the Texas star with a 5th overall selection.

"If the Browns are picking in the top five, it likely means neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders played well enough to earn the franchise’s trust as the long-term solution at the position," Brownsnation.com's latest X post read. "While they could get one of the top quarterbacks in this order, trades are not being considered." 

This prediction hinges on the Browns' current plans not working. If the team is still picking near the top of the draft in 2027, it likely means that Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders did not play well enough to lead the team long-term. 

Arch Manning is the nephew of famous NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning, but he plays a bit differently compared to the NFL legends, with more dual-threat ability.

In his best season (last year) at Texas, he threw for over 3,163 yards and scored 26 passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 10 touchdowns.

The quarterback has progressed over the years, going from featuring in two games last year to 10 in 2024, and a personal-high 13 last year.

Many experts think he will be the number one pick in 2027, so the Browns will have to be ready if they want a chance to get him. 

ESPN Analyst Gives an Update on the QB1 Debate

The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2026 season with a big question: who will be the starting quarterback?

After the NFL Draft, the team has four players for the job, with new players joining, with Taylen Green now joining (overall 182nd pick).

Green joins a locker room, already filled with Dillon Gabriel, Deshaun Watson, and rising prospect Shedeur Sanders. 

Watson and Sanders have been to the Pro Bowl, which makes the choice even harder.

As per recent reports, it looks like the fans and the team are more inclined towards Watson. According to Tony Rizzo on ESPN Cleveland radio, Watson has been looking great behind closed doors. 

"I heard Deshaun took the majority of the reps on Wednesday when you guys were not allowed to watch practice, and he looked phenomenal," Rizzo said. 

Other experts, like Tony Grossi, also noticed that Watson is taking most of the snaps with the starters.

Even though Sanders is the future, Watson’s phenomenal practice performance and an outstanding 2020 season (league-high 4,823 passing yards) make him hard to ignore for the 2026 starting job, should he remain healthy.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote