sports

Fernando Mendoza Lucky as Browns Skip 1st Overall 2026 Draft

The Cleveland Browns’ choice to skip the 2026 first‑overall pick leaves rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a precarious position, as the franchise faces a bleak future.

The Cleveland Browns have decided not to select a player at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that leaves rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a difficult spot. With the franchise already struggling, the decision underscores the challenges Mendoza faces as he steps into a team that may not provide the support needed for a young talent to thrive.

Analysts say the Browns’ draft strategy could signal a rebuilding phase, but for Mendoza, the lack of a top pick means he must prove himself without the backing of a high‑profile draft investment.