As the Deshaun Watson hype train derailed under the weight of injuries and limited availability, the Cleveland Browns return to the first round of the NFL draft for the first time since selecting cornerback Greg Newsome II 26th overall in 2021.
Watson had two Achilles surgeries in a three-month span and the chances he can help Cleveland in 2025 are next to nil.
What is GM Andrew Berry to do with the No. 2 pick and a massive mulligan required at QB?
“We’ll take the player we feel like is the best available,” Berry said.
The pool of prospects in 2025 features a few quarterbacks the Browns might favor, but Cleveland follows the Titans — also operating with a virtual vacancy at quarterback — and are likely to pass on Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) that early.
This approach opens Berry up to trading down or staying where he is to pick from premier prospects at pass rusher (Penn State’s Abdul Carter), playmaker (Colorado’s Travis Hunter is a No. 1 WR or CB), running back (Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty) or blocker (any number of options by position).
–Team needs
Quarterback
Unreasonable confidence in one-time first-rounders Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett consistently competing in the AFC North shouldn’t push the Browns away from picking their QB of the future. Don’t be surprised if Berry treads lightly knowing the long-term cost of overspending with a prayer of getting the position right.
Pass rusher
Myles Garrett can’t walk over the white lines without drawing a double team. He’s wildly effective as a one-man wrecking crew which prompts the question: How great can he be if the Browns pair him with another edge-pressure generator?
Running back
There might not be a better personality and playing style fit for the Browns than Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, a selection that would raise eyebrows given the overall value compared to selecting a lead QB, left tackle, pass rusher or cornerback. The Browns have scored some finds in the second round, from Nick Chubb (35th overall, 2018) to old-school Leroy Hoard (45th, 1990).
Wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy is a fine No. 2, but a reliable and versatile wideout will make life easier no matter who grabs the QB1 role in Cleveland. It’s the reason Hunter entered the conversation. If not Hunter early, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka and Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins are thought to pique Berry’s interest in the pick 25-45 range.
Best prospect fits
DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
WR-CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 10
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 2, 2
2: 1, 33
3: 3, 67
3: 30, 94 (from Buffalo Bills)
4: 2, 104
6: 3, 179
6: 16, 192 (from Miami Dolphins via Chicago Bears)
6: 24, 200 (from Minnesota Vikings)
6: 40, 216 (compensatory draft pick)
7: 39, 255 (compensatory draft pick)
History Lesson
–The Browns selected No. 1 overall in 2017 (Myles Garrett) and 2018 (Baker Mayfield). Their previous top-three overall selections were Alabama RB Trent Richardson (No. 3, 2012) and Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas (No. 3, 2007).
–Safety Eric Turner (UCLA) is the only player the franchise has ever picked No. 2 overall (1991). Miami defensive tackle Russell Maryland went with the first pick to the Dallas Cowboys.