ESPN’s Jordan Reid has the Browns trading up to the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft in his latest mock draft.
The Cleveland Browns face a crossroads before the 2026 season. Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson experiment is almost over, creating hope for the future of the organization. Many analysts expect the Browns will pick a new franchise quarterback during the 2027 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid published a new 2027 mock draft on Wednesday with the 2026 NFL regular season just weeks away. Reid’s mock draft included a shocking trade involving the Browns.
Cleveland trades up with Miami, surrendering pick No. 4 and No. 32 for the No. 1 overall selection. The Browns also cough up a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to get the deal done.
As a result, the Browns select Oregon’s Dante Moore as their next franchise quarterback.
“I had the Dolphins trade out because they recently invested in Malik Willis. While a lot depends on Willis’ performance this season, Miami does already have a promising young quarterback,” Reid argued. “Unless Shedeur Sanders makes a massive leap in Year 2 (which seems unlikely), the Browns do not. Deshaun Watson’s contract ends after this season, as well, making this a perfect time for Cleveland to take another swing at that elusive franchise QB to join the young talent it has accumulated in the past couple drafts.”
Browns fans might prefer Texas QB Arch Manning in this scenario, who goes off the board at No. 2 to the Cardinals. Meanwhile, the Dolphins scoop up Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith at No. 4.
Still, Moore is a talented quarterback prospect who would be a big upgrade for Cleveland.
“Moore has squeaky-clean mechanics, and his accuracy shined in his first year as a starter,” Reid added. “This would be a good situation for him, with young players he can grow alongside. If he brings his stellar college play to the NFL, the Browns could turn things around quickly.”
Cleveland already had some young talent with Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. entering the offseason. But the Browns doubled down and added even more talent in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It is exciting to think about what the future could hold for Cleveland. But it is still far too early to fall in love with a specific quarterback prospect.
In the meantime, the Browns must prepare for their preseason finale against the Patriots on August 27th.
The Cleveland Browns face a crossroads before the 2026 season. Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson experiment is almost over, creating hope for the future of the organization. Many analysts expect the Browns will pick a new franchise quarterback during the 2027 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Jordan Reid published a new 2027 mock draft on Wednesday with the 2026 NFL regular season just weeks away.
