Mel Kiper Jr. has a bold message for the Cleveland Browns. While the team shows interest in top prospect Ty Simpson, Kiper argues their quarterback of the future is already on the roster..

NFL analyst Mel Kiper, who ardently supported Shedeur Sanders, has backed him again. He recently shut down another analyst, Field Yates, after he suggested that the Browns don’t need Simpson. 

“The Browns don't have to worry about Ty Simpson. They got a better QB than Ty Simpson in Shedeur Sanders. Don’t go there,” he said on Yates' 2-Round NFL Mock Draft. 

The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback is widely considered the second-best quarterback in his draft class and is predicted to be a round-one pick. But Kiper believes Sanders, who was picked in the fifth round last year, is a better QB.

Insider reports have suggested that the Browns “like” Simpson, and the 23-year-old has insisted he would love to play for them many times. 

Kiper's assessment may be accurate despite the 10 interceptions Sanders threw in just eight games last year.

Unfortunately for Simpson, the Browns’ top management skipped his performance in the Pro Day held on Wednesday. If the Browns have decided that Sanders would start next season, then even Simpson’s stellar performance on the collegiate level cannot change their mind.

In an 11-4 season, Simpson threw 28 touchdowns for 3,567 yards against only five interceptions. He improved his program’s standing in the NCAA from 17th place in 2024 to 9th in 2025.

Simpson has pitched himself as “a program changer” who looks beyond himself. But would that make him the Browns’ quarterback?

Sanders Is Backed by Experts and Fans Alike

Many believe that Sanders is talented but was unfortunate in his rookie season. He was let down by poor game calls, unreliable offensive linemen, and did not have good wide receivers to throw to.

After starting mid-season in week 11, Sanders scored seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards. 

He showed flashes of brilliance in his three-touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans and a roughly 60-yard deep throw. In a media interaction, Sanders had claimed that he is “the one they’ve been looking for.”

Apart from Kiper’s faith, Sanders is also backed by loyal fans. Late in 2025, insider Mary Kay Cabot weighed in on how his popularity could affect the management and next year’s draft. 

“He brings with him something big and powerful that would be difficult to deal with if you were trying to throw all of your support behind a No. 1 pick,” Cabot said.

Sanders is now gearing up for his second season in the NFL. Will he improve with the new additions made to the offense? Or would Simpson replace Sanders? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote