The Cleveland Browns are officially back in quarterback evaluation mode - again. After a 2025 season that saw a carousel of signal-callers struggle to move the offense, it’s no surprise the front office is prioritizing the position heading into a pivotal offseason.
General manager Andrew Berry has made it clear: these next 120 days are critical for reshaping the franchise. And that means a heavy investment on the offensive side of the ball - especially under center. Whether that comes through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Cleveland will be watching closely as quarterback prospects take the field at this weekend’s Senior Bowl.
The Senior Bowl - set for January 31 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama - is more than just an all-star showcase. It’s the unofficial launchpad of the NFL Draft season, and for teams like the Browns, it’s a valuable opportunity to get one more live look at some of the nation’s top upperclassmen before the NFL Combine.
Let’s break down six quarterbacks who will be under the microscope - and who could be on Cleveland’s radar.
Taylen Green, Arkansas
Size: 6'6", 229 lbs
Draft Projection: Fifth Round
PFF Rank: No. 213 overall, No.
12 QB
Green’s got the frame that NFL scouts love - tall, athletic, and built to take hits. But he’s more than just a big body.
In 2025, he threw for 2,714 yards and 19 touchdowns, adding over 2,400 rushing yards and 35 scores on the ground over his college career. That dual-threat ability is intriguing, though his 60.1% career completion rate and 35 interceptions raise questions about accuracy and decision-making.
Still, the physical tools are there, and in the right system, he could be a developmental gem.
Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Size: 6'3", 221 lbs
Draft Projection: Fifth Round
PFF Rank: No. 210 overall, No.
11 QB
Robertson put together a productive 2025 season, tossing 31 touchdowns and nearly 3,700 yards through the air. He’s a traditional pocket passer with solid mechanics and a decent arm, but he won’t offer much with his legs - just 17 rushing yards last season. His career totals (7,639 yards, 61 TDs) show a quarterback who’s been through the battles, and he could be a solid Day 3 option for teams looking to develop a steady backup with upside.
Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Size: 6'1", 210 lbs
Draft Projection: Undrafted Free Agent
PFF Rank: No. 208 overall, No.
10 QB
Altmyer might not be the flashiest name on this list, but he’s got the polish. He completed 67.4% of his passes in 2025 and threw just five interceptions - a sign of his efficiency and poise.
Over his college career, he racked up nearly 8,000 passing yards and 60 touchdowns. He’s not a burner on the ground, but he can move when needed.
While scouts question his ceiling, his floor as a smart, accurate passer could earn him a shot in camp - and maybe more.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Size: 6'1", 202 lbs
Draft Projection: Third Round
PFF Rank: No. 81 overall, No.
4 QB
Nussmeier enters the Senior Bowl as the highest-ranked quarterback in this group, and for good reason. He’s got a strong arm, sharp instincts, and the pedigree that comes with playing in the SEC.
In just nine games in 2025, he threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, showing flashes of NFL-level talent. His career completion rate sits at 64%, and while he’s not a running threat, he’s comfortable in the pocket and isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield.
He’s a name to watch closely, especially if the Browns are looking for a mid-round QB with starter potential.
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Size: 5'9", 198 lbs
Draft Projection: Seventh Round
PFF Rank: No. 178 overall, No.
9 QB
Pavia doesn’t fit the NFL mold in terms of size, but his production is hard to ignore. He completed over 70% of his passes in 2025, threw 29 touchdowns, and ran for 862 yards and 10 more scores.
His career numbers - over 10,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards - showcase a true dual-threat weapon. The question is whether his game can translate to the pros, where size and arm strength matter more.
But in today’s NFL, where creativity is king, Pavia could be an intriguing late-round flyer for a team willing to think outside the box.
Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Size: 6'2", 229 lbs
Draft Projection: Sixth Round
PFF Rank: No. 217 overall, No.
13 QB
Payton is one of the more efficient passers in this class, boasting a 72% completion rate in 2025 and a staggering 193.4 QB rating. He also added 777 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, making him a legitimate dual-threat.
While he played in the FCS, his consistency and athleticism make him an intriguing developmental option. He’s not as battle-tested as some of the others, but the tools are there.
With the right coaching, he could become a valuable piece of a quarterback room.
The Browns’ QB Hunt Continues
The Browns’ quarterback situation in 2025 was, frankly, a revolving door. From Kenny Pickett (who never took a snap in orange and brown before being shipped to Vegas), to Joe Flacco’s late-season cameo, to the rookie auditions with Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders - none of it stuck.
The result? An offense that never found rhythm and a front office now staring down a critical offseason.
That’s why the Senior Bowl matters. It’s not just a game - it’s a chance for Cleveland to get an up-close look at potential solutions. Whether one of these six quarterbacks ends up donning a Browns jersey is anyone’s guess, but don’t be surprised if Berry and his staff walk away from Mobile with a clearer picture of who might be worth a shot.
The Browns need answers at quarterback. The Senior Bowl might just offer a few.