"2025 Browns Draft Requirements, Selections, Ideal Matches, and Past Record"
As the Deshaun Watson buzz fizzled due to injuries and limited availability, the Cleveland Browns find themselves back in the first round of the NFL draft for the first time since selecting cornerback Greg Newsome II 26th overall in 2021.
Watson underwent two Achilles surgeries within three months, making it highly unlikely that he will be able to contribute to the Browns in 2025.
General Manager Andrew Berry is faced with the challenge of the No. 2 pick and the need for a major do-over at quarterback.
"We will choose the player we believe is the most talented," Berry stated.
The 2025 draft class includes several quarterbacks that the Browns may have their eye on, but they are expected to follow the lead of the Titans, who also have a void at quarterback, and pass on Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) in the early rounds.
This approach gives Berry the option to trade down or stay put and select from top prospects in positions such as pass rusher (Penn State's Abdul Carter), playmaker (Colorado's Travis Hunter, a top wide receiver or cornerback), running back (Boise State's Ashton Jeanty), or blocker (various options available).
--Team needs
Quarterback
Despite having former first-round picks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett on their roster, the Browns should not shy away from selecting their future quarterback. Berry may proceed with caution, knowing the long-term consequences of overspending on a risky quarterback pick.
Pass rusher
Myles Garrett is constantly double-teamed on the field, but he has proven to be a dominant force on his own. The Browns could greatly benefit from pairing him with another edge-pressure generator.
Running back
Boise State's Ashton Jeanty may be the perfect fit for the Browns in terms of personality and playing style. However, selecting him may raise some eyebrows due to his overall value compared to other positions such as quarterback, left tackle, pass rusher, or cornerback. The Browns have had success in the second round, with players like Nick Chubb (35th overall, 2018) and Leroy Hoard (45th overall, 1990).
Wide receiver
While Jerry Jeudy is a solid No. 2 receiver, having a reliable and versatile wideout would make life easier for whoever takes on the QB1 role in Cleveland. This is why Travis Hunter is being considered. If not Hunter, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka and Iowa State's Jayden Higgins are also on Berry's radar in the 25-45 pick 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
