If the Cleveland Browns were in any sort of a QB pickle, they have found a way out in form of the second overall pick in the drafts. Since their QB Deshaun Watson re-ruptured his right Achilles tendon in January and went under the needle, meaning he is out for the next season. The disadvantage for HC Kevin Stefanski? Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million contract. It will not allow them enough flexibility to bring in a seasoned QB from the free agency with $92 million still stuck. But that is exactly where they come during the drafts.

For long now, it was expected that Shedeur Sanders will go to the Browns as a second overall pick that Cleveland carries. Their GM Andrew Berry praising the young QB, “Shedeur is a really impressive young man. He’s poised. He’s calm. He’s smart, and you can tell that he’s been raised by — quite honestly — a Hall of Fame dad. We’re going to get to know him even more over the course of the spring, but he’s really impressive,” only added fuel to the fire. If not that, Sanders interacting with the Browns’ fans, calling them “Legendary” only adds more to the excitement. But what if there’s one more in the picture?

Yep, Cleveland is one of the acceptable locations for Shedeur to land. But so far, we don’t know what pick he is going in the drafts. Or who the 3-14 team from 2024 will choose. Hence, there is very much a possibility that Cam Ward, who recorded 158-TDs, comes into action. At least ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes so.

Schefter spilled the beans on a March 20 episode of ESPN’s Get Up show. He said, “I believe he will be available at 3 for the Giants. And btw, they don’t know that yet ’cause Cleveland holds 2, Tennessee’s at 1. But I feel like when you talk to people around the league, the sense is that Cleveland would like Cam Ward. But I think Cam Ward is going to be the number one pick. Unless Cleveland trades up to one, I don’t think it’s going to get Cam Ward.

“In which case, I think, Cleveland goes either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter. And if they go for one of those guys, then that leaves Shedeur Sanders sitting there at No. 3 for the New York Giants if that’s the direction they want to go.”

Now the thing is, it seems like even Cleveland isn’t sure yet which direction they want to move. If they do want to bring in Cam, they can make a trade with the Titans who have the first pick. And as is evident that many top prospects would be more than happy to land with Kevin’s Browns, Cam too is in the club. Browns’ tight end and Miami alum David Njoku uploaded a video on his socials earlier this week where Ward was coming into the room and when Njoku called him, he excitedly responded, “Cleveland!”

However, there are also chances that HC Kevin would address the QB position requirements in the later rounds. Instead, he would bring in the Penn State alum and pass rusher Abdul Carter at second. Travis Hunter going as the top-5 pick is also an option. With that, Cam would most likely go to the Titans and Sanders to the New York Giants who are also looking for their primary signal caller. The college player has shown love for New York when he was seen wearing the Giants cleat in December last year.

This move would most probably be possible because the head coach does believe that the entire draft class is brimming with QB talent as he recently said, “This is a really good class from top all the way through. I know you mentioned Cam and Shedeur, but there are really good players throughout this draft at that position. I’m impressed with the whole group.”

The issue is that the Browns don’t want someone who might become larger than the team. It happened with Deshaun Watson as well. They were forced to sign a big deal with the signal caller, which has not paid dividends. Not only HC Kevin Stefanski but GM Andrew Berry also claimed they would change the QB room. It might happen in the coming draft.

It’s also a battle of two personalities. Even in the combine, Ward displayed the toughness of his character from the struggles. He wrapped up his senior season with 4,313 yards with 39 TDs on 7 interceptions and nationally second QBR of 88.7 in 2024. Sanders was flashier, claiming he wants to change the culture of any team that drafts him. The Colorado Buffaloes standout ended his career under his father Deion Sanders with 4,134 yards and 37 TDs on 10 interceptions. So, teams are being cautious, and Cleveland has to make a game plan soon.

Kevin Stefanski set to go for Miami QB

Cam Ward is a solid choice for the Browns. He impressed everyone with his performances across stints with the Incarnate Word Cardinals, Washington State Cougars, and the Miami Hurricanes, scoring 158 career touchdowns. That’s a prodigious feat. During his stint at Miami in 2024, the signal caller excelled, achieving a career-best passer rating of 172.2. After playing his last college game, Ward said, “Just blessed, man. I think I’ve grown so much as a person this year, outside of football. This is the best team that I’ve been around. I was just blessed to be here.”

Not only touchdowns, Ward also finished 3rd in passing yards in NCAA history, with 18,189 yards. Only Case Keenum (19,217) and Dillon Gabriel (18,423) are ahead of him. The Browns like how Cam Ward projects himself. A hard worker, humble, and strongly rooted in faith. So, things look pretty smooth for him and any franchise that drafts him. However, the mystery remains.

But things are more complicated than they seem. The Titans do appear ready to exchange the picks. But Kevin Stefanski & Co. have taken no concrete step in that direction. The Giants might miss out on their preferred choice too. If the Titans don’t pick Ward first overall, Cleveland might snap him up before New York gets to choose. It’s an interesting puzzle that makes the Draft must-watch TV!