Cleveland Browns could target Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Matt Miller. The projection has the Browns finishing with the league’s worst record despite drafting two quarterbacks in 2025.
Miller’s mock draft shows Cleveland selecting Klubnik after taking both Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round and Dillon Gabriel in the third round of this year’s draft.
Sports commentator Skip Bayless believes the Browns would move on from both Sanders and Gabriel to clear the path for Klubnik.
“[Miller] has the Cleveland Browns finishing worst and picking first. And are you ready for this? Picking a quarterback first overall — Clemson’s Cade Klubnik. I believe in Shedeur Sanders, who I thought should have gone No. 1 in this year’s draft. I believe the NFL tried to teach Shedeur and his father, Deion, a big, bad lesson by blackballing him as Shedeur fell all the way into the fifth round, where Cleveland finally took him 50 picks after the Browns had already taken Dillon Gabriel, who, of course, also plays quarterback,” Bayless said on “The Skip Bayless Show.”
Bayless suggested Sanders would face an uphill battle to remain on the roster if Cleveland drafts Klubnik.
“If Matt Miller is right, then I don’t know. I’d have to assume Shedeur would have to beat out Dillon Gabriel to be Klubnik’s backup going forward. Unless, of course, the Browns just say, We’ve got to remove any young threat to Klubnik. Man, what a mountain Shedeur Sanders is now going to have to climb.”
Kenny Pickett enters training camp as the Browns’ starting quarterback. Neither Sanders nor Gabriel is expected to see significant playing time as rookies.
Cleveland’s front office could face pressure to move Sanders if his father, Deion Sanders, becomes vocal about his son’s role. The elder Sanders has a history of advocating for his players’ opportunities.
Gabriel might hold more trade value as a third-round selection. Teams often view mid-round quarterback picks as assets worth pursuing.
The 2025 season will determine whether Cleveland needs another quarterback in 2026.
Sanders and Gabriel could prove Miller’s projection wrong if either develops into a franchise quarterback during their rookie seasons.
