2025 Cleveland Browns Draft Guide
Everything you need to prepare you for a pivotal Cleveland Browns draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft for the Cleveland Browns needs to be a home run. After the big swing and miss on Deshaun Watson, the Browns are in an uncomfortable position with the state of their roster. The cap situation is not as bad as Browns haters want you to think, especially with an ownership group that has shown they are willing to spend. Still, they are not in a situation where it’s easy to hand out top-end contracts to all of the top free agents over the next two seasons, and therefore, the financial flexibility that rookies offer on their first contracts is going to be crucial. In order to salvage what’s left of the team’s stars’ careers, the #2 overall pick better be a dawg, and let’s hope they can find at least 2-3 more with what currently sits at 10 picks and the most valuable draft capital of any team in the league. As I prepare to start barking on April 24, I’ve been going through all of the possibilities in my head like Dr. Strange in Avengers: Infinity War.
Luckily, there’s more than one possible positive outcome, but there are still many where this ends poorly and gets everyone fired. In this Cleveland Browns 2025 Draft Guide, you’ll get a glimpse of what I saw, broken down by position and one final 2025 Cleveland Browns mock draft.
QB
Despite a 3-14 record last season, it was clear that aside from historically bad QB play, this team still has a lot of talent. Sadly, the 2025 draft does not have the QB class of a year ago, or the question would be simple: Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye? Instead, there are only two QBs worth considering at the top of the first round, one of whom likely goes first overall. Still, with a QB room that currently sits at Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Deshaun Watson (likely to be placed on the PUP list), it’s no secret that a QB will be added in the draft at some point. Let’s take a look at the top options:
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Drafting Shedeur would be taking the QB with a lower ceiling, but a higher floor than the other options in this draft. Shedeur proved to be an accurate QB at Colorado, however, he has not shown an ability to win against big-time opponents and has a slender frame, mediocre arm strength, and limited athletic ability to make plays with his legs. Shedeur has been a celebrity since he was in high school because of who his father is, and though there do not seem to be any serious character concerns, there is a concern with drafting yet another celebrity QB, something that has not panned out well in Cleveland previously. Shedeur is the type of QB you’d love to draft on Day 2, but given the limited talent at the position this year, he seems to be a lock to go Round 1. Browns fans who want Shedeur claim that he’s the “perfect fit for Stefanski’s system.” However, with a lack of tools, Shedeur’s ceiling is likely a fringe top-15 QB. For one, that is not what you are looking for in a #2 overall pick. For two, this Browns regime has shown that they want a QB with tools and a higher ceiling, which is why they decided to move on from Baker Mayfield.
Cam Ward, Miami
Having watched every single Miami game this past season, Ward can be a ton of fun. There are also times when he leaves you dumbfounded because he tries to do something insane, playing hero-ball, and it ends tragically. Ward is a better athlete and has a much better arm than Sanders, however, his decision-making needs a lot of improvement for him to be successful at the next level. Ward is constantly hunting the big play, quick to navigate outside of the pocket, and will not hesitate to throw the ball across his body. Many film guys hate him for these reasons, but film often leaves out some important context; Miami’s defense was atrocious, so it’s possible Ward felt the need to play hero ball. This is likely something that would and should become evident as he meets with teams and does film breakdowns, and even if they are currently part of who he is as a player, these are things an NFL coaching staff should have confidence in their ability to refine. While it’s looking likely that the Tennessee Titans will be selecting Ward #1 overall, if they shock the world and pass on him, the Browns should grab him at #2.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Jalen Milroe is an incredible athlete, and that alone should guarantee him an NFL career. He also has what might be the strongest arm in the class, but still, he has yet to prove himself as an NFL-level passer. Drafting Milroe, you are hoping he can develop into something like Jalen Hurts, but even as a now Super Bowl-winning QB, Hurts still has limitations as a passer. Especially when you add in the hand-size concern, this is not a guy you draft at #2 overall. The debate is whether you’d be willing to take a shot on him on Day 2 or maybe even if you like him enough, trade into the back end of Round 1 to select.
New Browns OC Tommy Rees coached Milroe at Alabama, so he should have plenty of information on his coachability, work ethic, etc. From an outsider’s perspective though, all signs point to Milroe having a top-tier work ethic; he supposedly has a first guy in, last guy out mentality, and in addition to being a multi-year starter for one of the biggest college football programs, performed at a high level in the classroom. Even if Milroe is unable to be your QB1 of the future, his athleticism could be used in more of a Joker role on an offense (think Taysom Hill but way better), and that is a guy worth a shot.
Outside of these 3 QBs, there are some guys worth looking at later on, such as Ohio State’s Will Howard, but none who I would consider taking in the first two rounds, and therefore, none who you can count on being a high-level starter in the near future. With serious needs across the board, premium picks need to be used on guys who are ready to make an impact next season.
QBs to avoid
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss - Dart has recently jumped into the back half of Round 1 in many mocks, but this seems to be misguided, as Dart played in a dumbed-down college offense and padded stats against the lesser competition on his schedule. Everything about Dart screams future UFL MVP.
Tyler Shough, Louisville - If the Browns want to take a flyer on him in a later round, by all means, go for it. Shough has the tools of a very intriguing prospect, but he is set to turn 26 this year and has a significant injury history. With that said, I’m not considering him until Pick 94 at the earliest.
Kyle McCord, Syracuse - McCord struggled to find success at the college level during his year at Ohio State with the best set of weapons in the nation, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. He had a better season in Syracuse, but I don’t see him being a successful NFL QB.
Quinn Ewers, Texas - he’s just bad.
WR
WR needs work, but there is at least Pro Bowl talent already on the roster. Jerry Jeudy will be back, and Cedric Tillman showed reason for excitement prior to a concussion, which ended his season early. Still, if the Browns pass on QB at 2, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter could very well be the pick. The last time a WR was taken this early was 2007, and that was an all-time prospect and eventual Hall of Famer, Calvin Johnson.
Travis Hunter may not be quite the WR prospect Megatron was, but his two-way versatility is unparalleled. GM Andrew Berry has already stated that the Browns see Hunter primarily as a WR; however, we’ve never seen anyone play this well on both sides of the ball at the D1 level. Hunter is already the best WR prospect in this year’s class, so one can only wonder where he can take his talents if focusing primarily on that role. Hunter would still be able to play some defense, likely on obvious passing downs, and he could do it with little time spent with the defense, playing in DC Jim Schwartz’s man coverage-heavy scheme.
If the Browns pass on Hunter, or even if they do select him, here are a few names I’d be interested in:
Day 2
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State - possibly a first-round pick, but a guy who is as close to a lock to have a 10-year+ career in the league as you can get.
Luther Burden III, Missouri - a YAC God who may be a top 10 pick if his 2024 and 2023 seasons were swapped.
Jaylin Noel, Iowa State - an incredible athlete who would give the Browns a dynamic option in the slot.
Jalen Royals, Utah State - a fast, shifty WR who could be a sleeper pick, coming from a smaller school.
Day 3
Xavier Restrepo, Miami - one of the most reliable WRs in all of college football in 2024. Not a super athlete, but a super football player.
Kyle Williams, Washington State - maybe the most twitchy WR in the draft.
Pat Bryant, Illinois - a big body, sure-handed X-receiver. One of “my guys” who is going to be a steal on Day 3.
WRs to avoid
Tre Harrs, Ole Miss - a body catcher with a high drop rate (7.7%). Quentin Johnston vibes.
Isaiah Bond, Texas - a recent sexual assault allegation creates even more red flags with previous character concerns and a less-than-impressive season in Texas after transferring from Alabama.
Savion Williams, TCU - another body catcher with a high drop rate (10.4%). Fans will try to mark him the next Deebo Samuel, but he looks poised to be more like the next Treylon Burks (though Williams won’t be selected in Round 1).
Tez Johnson, Oregon - extremely undersized at 5’9”, 154 lbs, and while fast, not fast enough for a guy of his size to make it worth the risk.
RB
RB is a bit of a different story. With current free agent Nick Chubb coming off of his second season-ending injury in a row, you hope he can return for cheap, but the room needs multiple additions. Jerome Ford does not look to be the RB1 of the future, and Pierre Strong should likely be cut. Everyone in the city of Cleveland is rooting for Nick Chubb to return to his normal self as a Brown next season. Whether that happens or not, the Browns need to add two contributors to the room for next season. At least one of them has to be a guy who can be the RB1 if needed, and at least one of them has to be a guy who can positively contribute to the pass game.
Fortunately, the 2025 NFL draft is loaded with RB talent, and in most of my mock drafts, I have the Browns taking 2 of them. Since this is a deep class and the Browns are set to have 10 picks, the guys who will be available in Rounds 4-6 are guys that could very well be Day 2 picks in other drafts. Therefore, I am not even thinking of drafting an RB earlier than Round 3, unless Ashton Jeanty magically makes it to 33. Here’s a look at the guys I’m eyeing:
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa - an every-down back who made Iowa’s offense watchable in 2024.
DJ Giddens, Kansas State - An explosive and shifty runner who would make the perfect tandem when paired with a pass-catching back.
Jaydon Blue, Texas - Another one of “my guys.” Extremely dangerous as a receiver and could be the Browns’ version of De’Von Achane.
Damien Martinez, Miami - an absolute bowling ball of a back who found success in two different offensive schemes at Oregon State and Miami.
RBs to avoid
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State - I do like Judkins and think there’s a place for him in the NFL. But I don’t believe he possesses the skillset to be a feature back in the NFL, and is more so a guy who needs a 1B to his 1A. For where he is projected to be drafted (Round 2), that would be a disappointment.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State - Skattebo was one of the most fun players to watch in the College Football Playoff this past season, but given his lack of speed and athleticism, he doesn’t look to be a guy who can have the same impact at the next level.
TE
Former Pro-Bowl TE David Njoku remains on the roster and will continue to top the depth chart, but the Browns have not been able to add solid depth behind him, especially after letting Harrison Bryant walk. As Njoku battled injuries last year, it became more evident than ever that the Browns need to add to the room in this year’s draft. I expect the Browns to still add another veteran to the room before the start of training camp, but as it sits currently, Njoku is the only TE on the roster who is a lock to make the team. Whether that’s Jordan Akins or someone else, it’s time for the Browns to make another investment in the draft, maybe as early as Day 2. Here are a few guys who would excite me:
Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green - the fans always go crazy for a hometown guy, and Fannin is from Canton. More importantly, Fannin is a beast who amassed over 1,500 yards in 2024. Despite playing in the MAC, his talent was still obvious against both Penn State and Texas A&M, where he had 11 catches for 137 yds and 1 TD and 8 catches for 145 yds and 1 TD, respectively. Fannin is a bit undersized, but has great versatility and can be used around the offense with a creative OC.
Gunnar Helm, Texas - a do-it-all TE who could fall due to some underwhelming combine numbers.
Luke Lachey, Iowa - Doesn’t have the most impressive college stats, but he had some pretty terrible QB play. Lachey could be the next great TE to come out of Iowa.
OL
The last two seasons have been pretty ugly for the Cleveland Browns Offensive Line. Aging players, injuries, a bad OL coach hire, and Jedrick Wills have turned a former top unit in the league into a bottom-tier unit. Joel Bitonio seems to have only one or two years left. Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin have been solid, but have battled injuries. Ethan Pocic and Dawand Jones have also struggled to stay healthy and reach the level of play they did in each of their first years with the team. Adding a new OL coach in Mike Bloomgren, as well as OT Cornelius Lucas and OG Teven Jenkins in free agency will certainly help, but the Browns need to continue to add young talent to the group, especially at OT.
Finding high-end tackles past Round 1 is rare, and it’s even difficult to find a stud then. The Browns seem unlikely to select an OT in Round 1, unless they end up trading back. Still, picking at the very top of Round 2 at Pick 33 makes for an intriguing option, should any of the top names fall; Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. and Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson are two names to keep an eye on if they go that route. If not, a few names worth a shot in later rounds are LSU’s Emery Jones, Texas’s Cameron Williams, Boston College’s Ozzy Trapilo, and UConn’s Chase Lundt.
With a Round 3 pick spent last year on Zak Zinter and the recent signing of Teven Jenkins, I don’t expect high draft capital to be spent on the interior, barring a top guy falling. However, the Browns could definitely select a player with inside/outside versatility in the first three rounds. The biggest need on the interior looks to be Center, with Pocic’s decline and Luke Wypler battling injuries since being drafted. Finding a solid Center in a later round is very realistic, but this year’s class seems to be light at the position. Still, I would not be surprised if they use a 6th or 7th rounder in hopes of finding a guy, perhaps someone versatile like North Carolina’s Willie Lampkin.
Defense
There are certainly some holes to fill on defense, but the majority of the Browns’ 2025 picks will likely be dedicated to offense after a historically bad season on that side of the ball in 2024. The defense was the #1 unit in the league just in 2023, and while a few players have gone elsewhere, the core remains intact, and I am optimistic that their play in 2023 is more indicative of their talent than their play in 2024. Still, there is some work to do. The Browns could look to add depth across the board on defense, but the most glaring hole is at Safety. With the release of Juan Thornhill, D'Anthony Bell signing with the Seahawks, and Rodney McLeod’s retirement, the Browns only have Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman left. A veteran will be added at some point, but it seems like it’s a lock that the Browns will draft a Safety at some point this year. A few names that would move me are Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts, Texas’s Andrew Mukuba, and Oklahoma’s Billy Bowman.
In addition to Safety, the next place to look is the Defensive Line. Za'Darius Smith and Davlin Tomlinson are gone, and while Isaiah McGuire and Mike Hall have shown promise, you can never have too many talented guys in the trenches. After a bumpy start to the offseason, Myles Garrett has agreed to hang around, and if the Browns elect to pass on Travis Hunter at #2, the next obvious choice is Penn State’s Abdul Carter. Carter is a long, bendy, athletic freak who could provide Myles the best running mate he’s had to date. If they pass on Carter, they could still look to add a guy later on, perhaps Louisville’s Ashton Gillote or LSU’s Bradyn Swinson. The Browns could also look to beef up the interior in this year’s draft. The room currently has Mike Hall, Maliek Collins, Shelby Harris, and Jowon Briggs, so there’s definitely space to add more, especially if they want to add a true run-stuffer. A few names that intrigue me are Texas’s Alfred Collins and Maryland’s Jordan Phillips.
Unless you’re counting Travis Hunter as a CB, CB and LB are two positions the Browns will likely wait until Day 3 to consider. But Andrew Berry does love CBs, so maybe I’ll be surprised. Both positions could use depth pieces, but the needs don’t seem to be as pressing as they are elsewhere, pending the status of LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who we all hope will make a full recovery. Regardless, here are a few names at each position that could be worthy additions in the late rounds. CB: Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish and Western Kentucky’s Upton Stout. LB: Ohio State’s Cody Simon, Notre Dame’s Jack Kiser, and Oregon’s Jeffrey Bassa.
The Final Mock
For those of you who follow me on Twitter and Bluesky, I’ve been doing weekly Cleveland Browns mock drafts dating back to December. Now, with the most information I’ve had to this point, let’s close with my final mock draft of 2025, and what I believe is my best work to date:
Round 1, Pick 2: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Round 2, Pick 33: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
TRADE: Cleveland trades Round 3, Pick 67 to Arizona in exchange for Round 3, Pick 78 and Round 4, Pick 115
Round 3, Pick 78: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Round 3, Pick 94: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
Round 4, Pick 104: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
Round 4, Pick 115: Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma
TRADE: Cleveland trades Round 6, Pick 179 and Round 6, Pick 216 to Buffalo in exchange for Round 5, Pick 169
Round 5, Pick 169: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
Round 6, Pick 192: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
Round 6, Pick 200: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
Round 7, Pick 255: Willie Lampkin, IOL, North Carolina
NFL Draft weekend is always full of twists and turns, not just for the Browns, but for the whole league. Dozens of picks will be traded, current players will be traded, and star players could even be on the move. As April 24 nears, just remember to pace yourself. We have 3 days in a row of barking, and that will be followed by over 4 months of barking before the 2025 season begins in September.