Heading into the 2026 season, no one has any idea who will actually be the Cleveland Browns‘ starting quarterback. Shedeur Sanders finished his rookie season as the starter, but he wasn’t exactly efficient and lighting it up. Deshaun Watson, who missed all of last season while recovering from a torn Achilles, is still on the team and will compete for the job.
With Dillon Gabriel also on the roster but not showing much as a rookie, many expected the Browns to add another face to the quarterback room this offseason. They didn’t do that in free agency, but they made their move during the 2026 NFL Draft. With the first pick of the sixth round, Cleveland selected Taylen Green out of Arkansas.
Taylen Green had a historic NFL Combine performance as a quarterback
Green is a very intriguing prospect for one main reason: He’s incredibly athletic with fantastic arm strength. The reason Green fell all the way to the sixth round is because he has a lot to work on when it comes to the other aspects of quarterback play.
In his four seasons as a starting quarterback in college, Green rushed for over 2,400 yards and scored 35 rushing touchdowns. He began his career at Boise State, starting for two seasons before transferring to Arkansas and starting his final two seasons there.
Andrew Berry confirms Taylen Green was drafted as a QB, not a WR
His impressive speed at his size had some wondering if he would be moved to wide receiver at the next level. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry has already confirmed they view him as a quarterback. Green will have to improve his decision-making ability as well as his overall fundamentals as a passer. He’s certainly in a good situation, as new head coach Todd Monken has a strong record getting the best out of his quarterbacks.
The Browns will now, once again, head into a season with four quarterbacks on the roster. At least, that’s what the current plan is. The same was set to happen in 2025, before Kenny Pickett was traded right before the season and Joe Flacco was traded a few weeks into the season.
Green presents more competition for Sanders, who is reportedly behind Watson in the quarterback race as of right now. Gabriel is still around, too, but none of the three have the same physical tools as Green.
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