The Cleveland Browns are back in quarterback-hunting mode ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While the franchise has become a revolving door for QBs in recent years, none have managed to cement themselves as the long-term answer.
With no true face of the franchise under center, the pressure is mounting. So, Who will finally break the cycle and become ‘the guy’ in Cleveland? Despite taking two quarterbacks in the 2025 draft, our colleagues at PFSN believe they’ll be in the market again.
Cleveland Browns Looking to Add Penn State QB Drew Allar in 2026 NFL Draft?
Some might argue that Joe Flacco, a former Super Bowl MVP, deserves a shot at becoming the Browns’ long-term answer. But at 40, Father Time is catching up fast for Flacco. Instead of banking on aging experience, Cleveland’s interest might shift toward current Penn State QB Drew Allar.
But with a fresh wave of young talent set to enter the league, the buzz hasn’t faded. The 2026 NFL Mock Draft is already out, and it’s turning heads this early.
Drew Allar’s mechanics look DIFFERENT heading into his final season.
Allar’s footwork and throwing motion are reportedly as “refined” as they’ve ever been.
One NFL scout reportedly believed Allar could’ve been a Top-10 pick this past draft, had he declared.
“There were several… pic.twitter.com/8eBRuWCvhn
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 25, 2025
Analyst Mark Stolte of Pro Football & Sports Network rolled out his three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Saturday, and it didn’t take long to spark conversation. At the No. 2 spot, he projected the Browns to make a serious play for Drew Allar in next year’s trade market.
“Drew Allar is my second-ranked quarterback so far. Things can definitely change, but he has a strong arm and the ideal size. If Kevin Stefanski somehow survives another rough season, Allar’s comfort with play-action would be a solid fit for the Cleveland Browns,” he wrote.
“According to TruMedia, Allar ranked 22nd in EPA (expected points added) per dropback on play-action throws,” Stolte wrote.
The Nittany Lions’ QB still has a few rough edges to smooth out, especially when it comes to decision-making under pressure.
A glaring example came in the closing moments of his final game in 2024, when he launched a risky 42-yard pass that was picked off by Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray with just 33 seconds left on the clock.
Still, despite the growing pains, Allar delivered solid production for his team. He posted a 54 percent completion rate on throws of 15 yards or more and became the third-highest among all Power Four quarterbacks.
‘Allar to Browns’ Gaining Steam Online From Publications
Allar racked up a career-high 3,327 passing yards last season, and his 8.4 yards per attempt ranked eighth in the nation among quarterbacks with at least 350 attempts. With that kind of momentum, Allar is on his way to being a real shot at locking in his place as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Even Dane Brugler of The Athletic has thrown his weight behind the local talent in the Browns’ 2026 recruiting class. On May 29, he made it clear that this prospect is someone to watch closely.
MORE: Jets Projected To Select QB Drew Allar in 2026 NFL Draft After ‘Massive Jump’
“Had Allar declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he might have been the No. 2 pick (to his hometown Cleveland Browns),” Burglar writes. “But he returned to school to further his development. If he continues to improve, he will be in the top-five conversation next April.”
Right now, Allar is being mentioned alongside top college prospects like LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, and Texas’s Arch Manning.
The big question is whether he can rise to the occasion and truly make a name for himself before the 2026 draft rolls around.
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