Browns draft reflection

By: Jake Rajala

The Cleveland Browns made some creative moves in the 2025 NFL Draft. They notably traded out of the second overall pick and still stayed in the Top 5. They also acquired Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round. With that said, I’m going to untwine five takeaways from the Browns draft.

1. Browns DL

The Browns may have the best DL in the league after drafting Mason Graham. It’s safe to say they have the best DE-DT combo. Graham turned heads by dominating Ohio State in college. His production score was a 93 – which was first among DTs. Graham has Chris Jones-like potential.

2. QB room

The Browns added Joe Flacco late in the free agency process, drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round, and then drafted Shedeur Sanders late in the draft! I don’t love their urgency at the QB spot this off-season. Shedeur isn’t a Top-2 QB and he has maturity issues. This may make Browns fans think of Johnny Manziel.

3. RB room

I love the move by the Browns to reel in Quinshon Judkins. It was time for them to move on from Nick Chubb. Quinshon’s athletic score was a 92 – which was first among ball-carriers! I love the efficiency from Jerome Ford, but I don’t believe he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber RB.

4. WR room

I don’t love the effort by the Browns at improving their WR room. They didn’t draft a WR, which was puzzling, especially with the fact that they already have uncertainty at QB. Jerry Jeudy is the alpha of the group, but he can’t carry a passing attack, just as Justin Jefferson can. I’d like to see them be aggressive to land Amari Cooper or OBJ, who both have been in Cleveland before.

5. TE room

I love the move by CLE adding Harold Fannin Jr out of Bowling Green. He can play out-wide and in the slot. He can be an elite TE2 alongside the reliable TE1 David Njoku. Fannin Jr led the FBS in receptions and receiving yards last season! With an average WR room, expect the Browns to use a lot of two TE sets.