2027 NFL Draft: Quarterback viewing guide for Browns fans in Week 0

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The Cleveland Browns' journey to find a franchise quarterback kicks off this Saturday with Week 0 of the 2026 college football season.

This offseason, general manager Andrew Berry did an excellent job of putting the struggling organization in a spot to compete for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class. And while most of the notable quarterbacks will not begin their season until Week One, there are still a few names that could enter into the conversation for the Browns that are beginning their regular season this weekend.

Here are three quarterbacks that Browns' fans should keep an eye on for the NFL Draft during Week 0.

Jaden Craig, TCU

Saturday, Aug 29 at 12:00 PM EST vs North Carolina

With former starting quarterback Josh Hoover landing with the Indiana Hoosiers this offseason, the Horned Frogs may have found another NFL-caliber quarterback in Jaden Craig.

The former Harvard standout quarterback found his way to Fort Worth this offseason after three incredible years with the Crimson. During that stretch, Craig threw for over 6,000 yards and 52 touchdowns, while recording an additional 11 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to attack teams on the ground and through the air will make him an intriguing quarterback in the upcoming draft class.

Outside of the fact that Craig has yet to face true competition at the college level, the senior playmaker does have plenty of limitations to his game, such as his arm strength and his success in the pocket when under pressure. Still, if the Browns manage to miss out on a top quarterback in the 2027 class, Craig could be a mid-to-late round target for the organization.

Jayden Maiava, USC

Saturday, Aug 29 at 3:00 PM EST vs San Jose State

One quarterback that continues to fly under the radar heading into the 2026 college football season is USC senior Jayden Maiava.

Last year, Maiava broke out under the likes of head coach Lincoln Riley, throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 65.8 percent of his attempts. Standing at 6-foot-4, 218 lbs., the former UNLV transfer has plenty of tools in his bag and has proven to be a terrific pocket passer.

While Maiava is currently projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, a strong season with Riley calling plays could boost his draft stock. Every year, there is one veteran quarterback that typically makes the jump to becoming a first-round talent, and Maiava is one of the names to watch for this season.

Sleeper: CJ Bailey, North Carolina State

Saturday, Aug 29 at 3:30 PM EST vs Virginia

North Carolina State quarterback CJ Bailey may end up becoming a top prospect in the 2028 NFL Draft class, but the junior playmaker deserves some recognition heading into the 2026 season.

Bailey, throughout his two seasons with the Wolfpack, has made promising strides as a starting quarterback. He ended his 2026 campaign with 3,105 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while also notching 215 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Bailey's electric combination of size (6-foot-6, 213 lbs.) and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect, but depending on his development throughout the year, he may return to North Carolina State for another season in 2027.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 2027 NFL Draft: Quarterback viewing guide for Browns fans in Week 0

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