The Browns have been one of the worst performing franchises in the NFL, and they appear to be heading for another dreadful season in Cleveland. They are still shackled by Deshaun Watson’s massive contract and face a crucial decision at the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns can use their second overall selection in various ways, given the presence of three players who would be ideal fits. It won’t take one player to fix the 3-14 Browns, but nailing their first-round pick could go a long way in getting this franchise back on the right track.
Cleveland Browns Needs and Draft Strategy
EDGE:
The Cleveland Browns are currently in a standoff with Myles Garrett. Garrett has requested a trade, but the Browns have no incentive to trade the defending back-to-back DPOY. Garrett has posted double-digit sacks in eight straight years despite frequently being double-teamed at the line of scrimmage. If Garrett’s wish is granted, this position instantly becomes the Browns’ top priority. Even if he stays, the Browns don’t have much depth around Garrett and could use an upgrade at the 2025 NFL Draft.
Quarterback:
Deshaun Watson is still under contract for another two seasons, and his $73 million cap hit leaves the Browns unable to sign another quarterback in free agency. However, the rookie deals from players in the 2025 NFL Draft could give the Browns a lifeline. Watson is no longer the quarterback of the past, present, or future for the Browns, and they urgently need a solution as soon as possible. There are a pair of elite quarterback prospects available (Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward), and the low cap hit from their contracts would go a long way in helping the Browns shore up other positions.
Wide Receiver:
Deshaun Watson deserves a majority of the blame for his poor play, but the Browns did lead the league in drops last season. The wide receivers would frequently let Watson down, and the Browns didn’t do him any favors by trading away Amari Cooper. Cleveland had an abysmal passing attack, and while quarterback is certainly a position of need, the wide receiver group is also among the worst units in the NFL.
How many picks do the Cleveland Browns have in the 2025 Draft?
The Cleveland Browns have a total of 13 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Their draft capital is highlighted by their second overall selection, and they have an astonishing five sixth-round picks to round out their squad depth. Their selections this year are as follows:
- 1st Round: 2nd Overall
- 2nd Round: 33rd Overall
- 3rd Round: 67th Overall
- 3rd Round: 94th Overall
- 4th Round: 103rd Overall
- 5th Round: 165th Overall
- 6th Round: 181st Overall
- 6th Round: 194th Overall
- 6th Round: 202nd Overall
- 6th Round: 216th Overall
- 6th Round: 217th Overall
- 7th Round: 257th Overall
Cleveland picked up the Buffalo Bills third-round pick for wide receiver Amari Cooper. A third-round pick was a fantastic return for their veteran receiver, and the Browns can use it to patch holes all over their roster. They also picked up a few extra sixth-round picks from the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, and a pair of compensatory selections at the 2025 NFL Draft.
Potential Cleveland Browns Draft Picks 2025
If they don’t make any trades, the Browns will be selecting 12 players to join their roster at the upcoming draft, but no selection will have a bigger impact on the franchise than their second overall pick. Here are the three players the Browns could select with that coveted draft pick.
1st Round, 2nd Overall: Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Abdul Carter is the most talented player in the 2025 NFL Draft. His dominance at defensive end is unlike anything seen before in NCAA football, and he appears poised to become a real threat in the NFL during his rookie season. Carter has the strength and speed to match all the great NFL defensive ends. Regardless of whether the Browns trade Garrett, Carter will either seamlessly fill his shoes or form a devastating duo alongside the All-Pro pass rusher.
1st Round, 2nd Overall: Shedeur Sanders (Quarterback, Colorado)
Cam Ward is expected to be drafted first overall, which leaves Shedeur Sanders as the next best option at quarterback. Sanders was part of the special football program at the University of Colorado, and is poised to become one of the best quarterbacks from this draft class. Sanders has shown he has the clutch gene NFL quarterbacks need, and it feels like he still has a long way to go before he reaches his full potential. He will need to pick up his speed in the pocket with the Browns, but Sanders is certainly a player you can build a franchise around.
1st Round, 2nd Overall: Travis Hunter (Cornerback and Wide Receiver, Colorado)
Travis Hunter is a unicorn looking to become the first player to play both ways in the NFL. Teams are split on his best position, and the Browns can use him as they need help all over the field. Their wide receiver room is barren, and their secondary isn’t much better. Hunter will be a challenging player to manage, but his ceiling makes him worthy of an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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