The Cleveland Browns didn't officially name Shedeur Sanders their starting quarterback for 2026, but their moves on draft night spoke volumes. Instead of adding another signal-caller to the mix, the front office loaded up on protection and playmakers—a strategy that screams confidence in the young QB.
With the No. 9 overall pick, the Browns grabbed Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, a versatile lineman who started 11 games at left tackle and 24 on the right side in college. Head coach Todd Monken didn't hold back his enthusiasm. “His character was first, I mean, the way he’s wired,” Monken said. “The expectations we will have for him won’t even match that he has for himself. His athleticism, his toughness—when you want to start off the first year of your regime, you talk about what you want: character, toughness, athleticism, he has it all.”
Then, at pick No. 24, the Browns snagged Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, who lit up the 2025 season with 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. Concepcion is ready to show off his versatility. “I’m versatile. I make plays. I can play anywhere. I can run any route,” he said. “Whenever I get there, you guys are going to be getting a dog all over the field.”
By bypassing the quarterback class entirely, Cleveland may have tipped its hand for the upcoming season. It's not a stretch to think Sanders will be under center come Week 1—provided he handles business in training camp. The message is clear: the Browns are giving him every tool to succeed.
NFL analysts and fans alike have taken notice. Robert Griffin III praised the Fano pick, calling him a “6'6 311lbs BEAST” who moves like a tight end and allowed zero sacks on 357 pass-protection snaps last season. “THAT’S HOW YOU PROTECT SHEDEUR SANDERS,” Griffin wrote. Skip Bayless chimed in with a simple “Shedeur says thank you for Spencer Fano.” And fans are already dreaming of a Sanders-to-Concepcion connection. “Shedeur to KC Concepcion is going to be special,” one fan declared. Another added, “Shedeur is top tier vs man coverage and the Browns just drafted one of the biggest playmakers in space.”
Of course, this draft strategy isn't happening in a vacuum. The chaotic first round saw plenty of surprises, but Cleveland stayed patient and targeted exactly what Sanders needs. They're not just filling holes—they're building an ecosystem around their QB.
Will Sanders take full advantage of this revamped supporting cast? Only time will tell. But if the Browns' draft night is any indication, they're all in on their young signal-caller for 2026 and beyond.
