The Cleveland Browns hold picks No. 6 and No. 24 in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Most experts projected the franchise to address its need on the offensive line with the sixth overall pick, but following a trade for Houston Texans starting RT Tytus Howard on Monday, the Browns could pivot and flip their priorities on draft night.
That could put Alabama QB Ty Simpson in play for the Browns at No. 6, who will certainly be looking to identify their QB of the future this offseason, whether they believe that can be the oft-injured Deshaun Watson, one of the quarterbacks they took in the middle rounds a year ago (Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders), or perhaps a signal-caller in the 2026 draft.
Simpson impressed at the NFL Combine, both with his football acumen and his throwing ability in drills. His workout almost certainly solidified his standing as a first-round pick, and could see him rise up draft boards enough that Cleveland feels compelled to take him at No. 6.
Simpson has a connection with new Browns head coach Todd Monken, who could look to tie his fate with the franchise to a quarterback.
The Browns have been a graveyard for NFL quarterbacks for a long time, and while there is some talent on the team, Simpson would be tasked with breaking a trend that many others have tried - and failed - to do.
But he might not be alone in making the jump from Tuscaloosa to Cleveland.
Ty Simpson and Kadyn Proctor could both end up with the Cleveland Browns
After trading for Howard, the Browns might be out on using the No. 6 pick on an offensive lineman, especially considering the consensus top two offensive tackles on the board - Miami's Francis Mauigoa and Utah's Spencer Fano - might both be best suited to play right tackle, too.
That could mean the Browns pass at No. 6 and take a swing on either Georgia's Monroe Freeling or Alabama's Kadyn Proctor with the No. 24 pick of the first round.
Proctor was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Crimson Tide, though some believe he might be best suited to kick inside in the NFL due to his struggles with speed rushers off the edge. But Proctor had an excellent showing in Indianapolis, from a record-setting vertical jump to trimming his weight down to 352 pounds.
The Browns could take a swing on Proctor if he's available at No. 24 in hopes that he can bookend the future of Cleveland's offensive line on the other side of Howard. That could set Simpson up for success as the Browns' potential franchise quarterback if he's off the board with the sixth pick.