The Cleveland Browns find themselves navigating a difficult season, sitting outside playoff contention and focused on rebuilding for the future.

With a Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the horizon, Cleveland aims to play spoiler to their AFC North rival once again. However, the quarterback position remains a glaring issue for the team.

Deshaun Watson, acquired in a blockbuster trade in 2022, has struggled to meet expectations on the field and is now sidelined with a season-ending Achilles injury. His fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract runs through 2026, leaving the Browns with a substantial financial commitment.

In Watson's absence, Jameis Winston has taken over under center. While Winston has shown flashes of brilliance, his penchant for turnovers continues to hinder Cleveland's offense, including two pick-sixes and a game-ending interception in the Browns' recent loss to the Denver Broncos.

Tankathon's latest mock draft projects the Browns selecting Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers with the No. 39 overall pick in the second round. Ewers, once touted as a potential first-round pick, has seen his draft stock fluctuate due to injuries but boasts a strong college resume, including 2,307 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a 67.3 percent completion rate this season.

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With the College Football Playoff approaching, Ewers has an opportunity to further bolster his NFL draft stock.

While Watson's contract complicates the Browns' ability to pivot immediately, drafting a quarterback like Ewers signals the team's intent to explore all options. As Cleveland continues its evaluation process, the offseason could bring a shift in direction at the game's most critical position.