The Cleveland Browns find themselves in an interesting position heading into the 2025 NFL season with a crowded quarterback room and questions about the long-term future of the position. After a series of offseason moves, the Browns have a surplus of quarterbacks, leading to speculation about potential trades or releases before training camp. While Deshaun Watson's future with the team remains uncertain due to injury, the Browns have acquired Kenny Pickett, re-signed Joe Flacco, and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

Given the Browns' quarterback situation, some analysts suggest they could "reset" at the position by exploring options beyond the current roster. While Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel were added in the 2025 NFL Draft, another name to consider for the future is Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.

Shedeur Sanders: A Polarizing Prospect

Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, entered the 2025 NFL Draft with significant hype. He showcased exceptional accuracy and processing speed throughout his college career at Jackson State and Colorado, completing a FBS-leading 74.2% of his passes in 2024. Sanders possesses a quick release, poise under pressure, and the ability to make NFL-caliber adjustments. Some scouts believe Sanders has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone with the right coaching and protection, fitting best in a timing-based offense that emphasizes quick decisions.

However, Sanders is not without his critics. Some analysts consider him a solid but unspectacular prospect, noting his reliance on his footwork for arm strength and a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. While he demonstrates good field awareness, his athleticism is considered below NFL standards. Despite these concerns, Sanders' accolades, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, highlight his potential.

Dillon Gabriel: An Experienced Distributor

Dillon Gabriel brings a wealth of experience to the table, having started an FBS-record 63 games across his college career at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Gabriel is known for his quick processing, ability to avoid turnovers, and occasional out-of-structure creativity. He excels in RPO and quick-passing situations, demonstrating excellent ball distribution and a strong understanding of defenses. In 2024, Gabriel led Oregon to an undefeated regular season and earned a Heisman Trophy finalist nod.

Despite his impressive college resume, Gabriel faces questions about his NFL potential due to his size. At 5'11", he lacks the prototypical height desired in an NFL quarterback, which can lead to batted passes and difficulty throwing over defensive linemen. While Gabriel possesses good arm strength and mobility, some scouts believe his ceiling at the professional level is limited.

Fernando Mendoza: A Potential 2026 Riser

Fernando Mendoza is an intriguing prospect who transferred to Indiana to play in Curt Cignetti's Air Raid offense. At 6'5" and 225 pounds, Mendoza has the size and arm talent that NFL teams covet. Mendoza is praised for his quick release, fast decision-making, and ability to make throws to all areas of the field. In 2024, he completed 68.7% of his passes for over 3,000 yards and a 16-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Mendoza is considered a prototypical passer with the potential to be a No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He demonstrates polished passing mechanics, underrated athleticism, and a strong foundation of starting experience. While he needs to improve his pocket presence and avoid taking unnecessary sacks, his upside is tantalizing.

Browns' Options

Given the Browns' current quarterback depth, it's unlikely they will make a significant move at the position in the immediate future. Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are in the mix, and it is possible that the Browns may keep four quarterbacks in 2025. However, if the Browns are not convinced that Watson, Pickett, Gabriel, or Sanders is the long-term answer, they could turn their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft and consider a prospect like Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza's combination of size, arm talent, and potential in Cignetti's offense could make him a valuable asset for the Browns as they look to solidify the quarterback position for years to come.