Thought exercise: Browns tried to trade up for Cam Ward in 2025, should they try to get Fernando Mendoza this year?

At this time last year, the Tennessee Titans were hosting QB Cam Ward with rumors getting stronger that he would be their selection with the first overall pick. At the same time, the Cleveland Browns were sitting with the second overall pick with a load of reports that they wanted to select Ward if the Titans passed on him.

It would later come out that the Browns tried to trade up to the top pick to select Ward, but Tennessee was unwilling to move. Instead, GM Andrew Berry traded down three spots, added DT Mason Graham, RB Quinshon Judkins, and an extra pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

One year later, the Las Vegas Raiders have seemed locked into selecting QB Fernando Mendoza since their season ended with them having the first overall pick. Unlike with Ward and the Titans last year, there has seemed to be no hesitation that Mendoza would be the first overall pick.

With the Indiana Hoosiers having their championship Pro Day on Wednesday, Mendoza showed off his arm and accuracy for everyone in attendance to see:

Mendoza completed 53 of 56 passes, with two drops from his pass catchers.

While Las Vegas seems highly unlikely to trade down from the first spot, an interesting thought experiment is whether or not Mendoza, like Ward last year, is worth Cleveland trying to make a move up. This year, the Browns would have more draft capital to trade, but also further to move.

Would the Browns be willing to trade their two first-round picks in 2026 and their 2027 first rounder to acquire Mendoza? Would that package be enough to at least entice a conversation with Raiders GM John Spytek? How much more might it take for Las Vegas to bet its future on Cleveland struggling even with Mendoza at quarterback?

In many ways, it would all depend on how both teams evaluate Mendoza. The Browns would have to have a very high grade on the Hoosier quarterback, with the Raiders having “just” a high grade on him.

Again, this is (99%) a thought exercise about something that will not happen. Mendoza will be drafted first overall by Las Vegas, and Cleveland will make whatever decisions they will make at the quarterback position. It is at least interesting to think about, however, especially given the Browns attempt to trade up for Ward last season.

We bring it to you, fans… What would you give up to move up to the #1 pick to select Mendoza? Is it more or less than you would have last year to get Ward?

Thought exercise: Browns tried to trade up for Cam Ward in 2025, should they try to get Fernando Mendoza this year?

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