The Cleveland Browns have a lot of needs to address in the 2025 NFL Draft. They need help on both sides of the ball, especially on defense. With the No. 1 overall pick, the Browns are expected to select a quarterback. The top two quarterbacks in the draft are Cade Klubnik and Arch Manning. Klubnik is a 5-star quarterback from Texas A&M, while Manning is a 5-star quarterback from Isidore Newman School in Louisiana.
If the Browns pass on a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, they could select a defensive player. The top defensive players in the draft are Marvin Jones Jr. and Domani Jackson. Jones is a 6-foot-7, 290-pound defensive tackle from Georgia, while Jackson is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback from Southern Cal. Jones is a disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, while Jackson is a ball-hawking cornerback with great instincts.
The Browns have a lot of holes to fill on their roster, but they have a lot of draft capital to work with. With the No. 1 overall pick and 10 other picks in the first four rounds, the Browns are in a good position to add some talented players to their team. The 2025 NFL Draft could be a big one for the Browns, and it could help them take the next step as a franchise.
Deshaun Watson Leads the Charge
The Cleveland Browns made a bold move in 2023, trading for three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson. With Watson at the helm, the Browns are poised for a return to contention in the NFL. Watson’s exceptional talent and leadership abilities will be crucial to the Browns’ success in the years to come.
Watson’s on-field performance speaks for itself. In 2020, he led the NFL in passing yards (4,823) and touchdowns (33). He also guided the Houston Texans to a 4-12 record, a significant improvement over the team’s previous 2-14 mark. Watson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs makes him a formidable threat to opposing defenses.
Beyond his on-field abilities, Watson is also a respected leader in the locker room. He commands respect with his work ethic, dedication, and positive attitude. Watson’s presence has already had a noticeable impact on the Browns’ culture, instilling a sense of belief and purpose throughout the team. With Watson leading the way, the Browns have the potential to become a perennial contender in the AFC North and beyond.
Defense Dominates with High-Profile Prospects
Top 10 Picks in Focus
With the Browns’ defense ranking among the league’s worst in recent years, the team is expected to prioritize defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Alabama’s Will Anderson, a pass-rushing phenom, is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick. The Browns may also target other highly-rated edge rushers such as Julius Brents (Georgia) and Shemar Stewart (Texas).
In the secondary, the Browns could strengthen their cornerback group by drafting Jason Harrell (Georgia) or Toriano Pride (Clemson). Harrell, a 6’4″ defensive back, possesses exceptional length and coverage skills. Pride, meanwhile, is a highly athletic playmaker with ball-hawking instincts.
| Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Will Anderson | Edge Rusher | Alabama |
| 5 | Julius Brents | Edge Rusher | Georgia |
| 10 | Jason Harrell | Cornerback | Georgia |
A Star-Studded Linebacking Corps
The Browns’ linebacking corps should be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. With the additions of Sewell in free agency and Nolan Smith in the draft, Cleveland now boasts a trio of All-Pro-caliber linebackers.
Sewell is a versatile playmaker who can disrupt the passing game with his pass-rushing ability and make tackles all over the field. Smith is a sideline-to-sideline menace who flies around the field and makes big hits. Harris is a veteran presence who provides leadership and stability to the unit.
With these three players leading the way, the Browns’ defense should be one of the most feared in the NFL. They have the potential to be a dominant run-stopping unit and generate a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Strengths
- All-Pro talent at all three linebacker positions
- Versatility and athleticism
- Experience and leadership
Weaknesses
- Injury concerns with Sewell
- Lack of depth behind the top three
Overall
The Browns’ linebacking corps is one of the best in the NFL. With Sewell, Smith, and Harris leading the way, they have the potential to be a dominant force on defense for years to come.
Anchoring the Defense with Elite Prospects
Addressing the Secondary
The Browns have consistently struggled to find stability in their secondary, and the 2025 draft offers several promising solutions. With the fourth overall pick, Cleveland could target one of the top corners in the class, such as Illinois’ Matthew Bailey or Florida State’s Jaheim Oatis. Bailey is a physical specimen with excellent ball skills and instincts, while Oatis possesses impressive athleticism and a penchant for making big plays.
Bolstering the Pass Rush
Despite their recent investments in the defensive line, the Browns still lack a consistent pass rush. The 2025 draft presents several options at edge rusher, including Alabama’s Keon Keeley and Oklahoma’s Gavin Sawchuk. Keeley is a freak of nature with outstanding power and speed, while Sawchuk is a relentless pass rusher with a high motor.
| Pick | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Matthew Bailey | Cornerback |
| 12 | Keon Keeley | Edge Rusher |
| 20 | Gavin Sawchuk | Edge Rusher |
Rebuilding the Browns’ Receiving Corps
The Cleveland Browns’ receiving corps is in need of an overhaul. Their top three receivers from 2023 are all scheduled to be free agents in 2025, and it’s unlikely that the Browns will be able to re-sign all of them.
Wide Receiver Options in the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be a deep one at the wide receiver position. There are several players who could be available when the Browns pick in the first round, including:
| Player | College | Height | Weight | 40-Yard Dash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Jones Jr. | Ohio State | 6’3″ | 215 lbs | 4.38 |
| Tyler Booker | Florida | 6’2″ | 220 lbs | 4.42 |
| Aidan Minter | Texas A&M | 6’1″ | 195 lbs | 4.45 |
Projecting the Browns’ 2025 Draft Selection at Wide Receiver
The Browns currently own the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the talent available at the wide receiver position, it’s likely that the Browns will target a wide receiver with their first pick. One potential target is Marvin Jones Jr., who is a 6’3″, 215-pound receiver from Ohio State. Jones Jr. is a big, physical receiver who has the potential to be a No. 1 target in the NFL.
Other Options for the Browns at Wide Receiver
If the Browns are unable to trade up to select Marvin Jones Jr. or another top wide receiver prospect, they could consider selecting a wide receiver in the later rounds of the draft. Some potential targets include:
Adding Depth to the Offensive Line
The Browns’ offensive line has been a strength in recent years, but they could use some more depth. With Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. set to become free agents in the summer of 2025, the Browns should look to add some young talent to the group.
Potential Draft Targets
There are a few potential draft targets who could fill this need for the Browns.
| Player | School | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Mekhi Becton | Texas | OT |
| Tyler Linderbaum | Iowa | C |
| Nicholas Petit-Frere | Ohio State | OT |
Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton is a massive offensive tackle who would provide the Browns with some much-needed size and athleticism up front.
Tyler Linderbaum
Tyler Linderbaum is a versatile lineman who can play center or guard. He’s a great pass-blocker, which would be a valuable asset for the Browns.
Nicholas Petit-Frere
Nicholas Petit-Frere is an athletic offensive tackle who has the potential to be a star in the NFL. He’s a good run-blocker and a solid pass-blocker, and he has the size and versatility to play either tackle position.
Cleveland Browns 2025 Mock Draft
The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are members of the North Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Browns have won eight NFL championships, four of which were pre-Super Bowl era NFL championships.
The Browns have not had a winning season since 2007 and have not won a playoff game since 1994. The team has been in a state of disarray for many years, with ownership and management turnover being a major factor. The Browns have also had a revolving door at the quarterback position, with none of their recent starters being able to consistently lead the team to success.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns are projected to have a top-five pick. They could use this pick to select a quarterback, such as Anthony Richardson or Cade Klubnik. However, they could also opt to address other needs, such as offensive tackle or cornerback. Here is a mock draft of what the Browns could do with their first-round pick in 2025:
- 1. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
- 2. Cade Klubnik, QB, Texas
- 3. Marvin Jones Jr., OT, Georgia
- 4. Jeremiah Alexander, CB, Alabama
- 5. Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas
Richardson is a 6’4″, 244-pound quarterback who is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. Richardson has a strong arm and is accurate on deep passes. He is also a good runner, averaging over 5 yards per carry in his career at Florida.
Klubnik is a 6’3″, 205-pound quarterback who is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a pro-style quarterback with a strong arm and good accuracy. Klubnik is also a good athlete and can move around the pocket well. He has the potential to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
Jones is a 6’5″, 310-pound offensive tackle who is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a powerful blocker who excels in pass protection. Jones is also a good run blocker and can create holes for running backs.
Alexander is a 6’1″, 195-pound cornerback who is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a physical cornerback who can press receivers at the line of scrimmage. Alexander is also a good tackler and has a knack for making big plays.
Stewart is a 6’5″, 260-pound edge rusher who is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a versatile pass rusher who can line up at multiple positions. Stewart has a good first step and is able to generate pressure on quarterbacks. He also has the potential to be a good run defender.
People Also Ask About Cleveland Browns 2025 Mock Draft
What are the Browns’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Browns have a number of needs, including quarterback, offensive tackle, cornerback, and edge rusher.
Who are the top prospects for the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The top prospects for the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft include Anthony Richardson, Cade Klubnik, Marvin Jones Jr., Jeremiah Alexander, and Shemar Stewart.
What are the Browns’ chances of drafting a franchise quarterback in 2025?
The Browns have a good chance of drafting a franchise quarterback in 2025, as there are several top prospects available at the position.
