With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a position that could define the direction of their franchise. Holding nine selections, including two in the first round, the franchise has the flexibility to address multiple needs. But according to Cynthia Frelund, one position stands out as both uncertain and potentially transformative: quarterback.

The Browns‘ current quarterback room already carries intrigue. Deshaun Watson remains the most experienced option, while young passers Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel bring developmental upside. The organization has made it clear that a competition for the starting job is expected heading into the 2026 season.

However, Frelund believes that competition could intensify significantly if Cleveland adds another quarterback from this draft class. Among the names she highlights are Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik-three prospects with different profiles but legitimate paths to becoming NFL starters.

Ty Simpson

Simpson, who played his college career at Alabama, offers a blend of accuracy and athleticism that translates well to the modern game. In his lone season as a full-time starter in 2025, he completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns. Frelund points to his ability to operate efficiently from a clean pocket and his above-average reaction time, particularly when throwing on the move.

There are, however, questions about his experience level. With just 15 career starts, Simpson would be among the least experienced first-round quarterbacks in recent history. His late-season dip, including four interceptions over his final seven games, also raises concerns about consistency under sustained defensive adjustments.

Garrett Nussmeier

Nussmeier brings a different kind of résumé. The LSU product appeared in 40 games over five seasons and developed into a high-volume passer. He surpassed 7,000 career passing yards and delivered a standout 2024 campaign, leading the SEC with 337 completions and throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Frelund notes that his arm strength ranks among the best of recent draft classes, while his 2025 season showed growth in handling pressure, particularly with his ability to avoid sacks. While his film wasn’t as explosive as the previous year, the progression suggests a quarterback learning how to adapt as defenses adjusted to him.

Cade Klubnik

Klubnik may offer the most complete sample size of the three. The Clemson quarterback started 40 games and finished his career with more than 10,000 passing yards and 73 touchdowns, while also contributing significantly as a runner. His mobility and ability to make off-platform throws stand out as traits that could translate immediately at the NFL level.

Frelund highlights his strong reflexes and decision-making under pressure, while also suggesting his 2025 completion percentage of 65.6 percent doesn’t fully reflect his accuracy due to a high drop rate from receivers. The primary concern is his size, which could influence how teams project his durability and effectiveness against NFL defenses.

The Browns are not locked into a long-term answer

For Cleveland, the appeal of adding one of these quarterbacks is clear. The franchise is not locked into a long-term answer at the position, and introducing another high-upside prospect would create a more competitive environment. That competition could ultimately accelerate development across the entire quarterback room, particularly for Sanders, who is still early in his NFL journey, and Watson, who faces increasing scrutiny to reclaim his previous level of play.

The broader implication is pressure. Bringing in a rookie with first-round expectations would raise the stakes for everyone involved. Training camp would no longer be a straightforward evaluation between established and developing players-it would become a true open competition, with performance dictating opportunity.

Frelund’s assessment reflects a growing belief that the Browns should not pass on the opportunity to strengthen the most important position on the field. Whether it’s Simpson’s efficiency, Nussmeier‘s arm talent or Klubnik‘s versatility, each prospect offers a different pathway forward.