Scratch Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, a projected first-round selection, off NFL draft boards.
The starting quarterback, who lost a meeting with No. 1 overall QB draft prospect Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff last weekend, has decided he needs a little more seasoning before heading to the NFL.
What’s that mean for the Cleveland Browns? Likely absolutely nothing. With the Browns holding the sixth and 24th overall picks, any hope of packaging them to move up for Moore — a move some viewed skeptically (my hand is raised) — is gone.
Moore had a respectable game in the loss to Indiana, but at times looked like the inexperienced first-year starter he was, completing 24 of 39 passes for 285 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Moore, according to reports, received more name, image and likeness money to return to the Ducks, which would allow the East Cleveland native to gain more experience and allow his team to once again contend for a national championship.
The Browns will likely do something altogether different than ponder whether to take a quarterback in this year’s draft given that Mendoza is likely to go to the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that is QB needy and holds the No. 1 overall pick.
Yes, the Browns still need a quarterback given they didn’t exactly commit to Shedeur Sanders after the season ended. However, those draft picks may be better spent on a wide receiver or offensive lineman.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Oregon QB Dante Moore passes on 2026 NFL draft, muddies things for Browns
Reporting by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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