The Cleveland Browns are set to revamp their offense with two top playmakers in the opening rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, according to PFSN’s latest two-round mock draft.
The mock, put together by Marco Enriquez, predicts the Tennessee Titans will select Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter No. 1 overall.
That would allow the Browns to grab the consensus top quarterback in the draft, Miami’s Cam Ward, and equip him with a new weapon in Round 2.
Cleveland Projected to Take Cam Ward With No. 2 Pick
Despite only one team picking ahead of them, the Browns’ options with the second pick are far from certain. There is debate over whether the Titans will take Carter or Ward at No. 1. Either way, the Browns would have the opportunity to land their new franchise quarterback, with Colorado prospect Shedeur Sanders available if they miss out on Ward.
However, according to Enriquez, that won’t be the case. He predicts Cleveland will take Ward but notes that the team will need to develop him properly.
“The Cleveland Browns may still be stuck in quarterback limbo, but they can begin looking toward the future. It’s becoming increasingly likely that they take their QB of the future, which could be Cam Ward. A fifth-year player, Ward enters the draft with valuable experience, much like Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix last year.
“While Ward is two tiers below Daniels in my current prospect grading, his potential is clear. His mechanics are sound, but his decision-making and accuracy will be the biggest concerns at the next level. The Browns will need to surround Ward with high-IQ coaching and veteran leadership — something they haven’t historically done well with young quarterbacks.”
Cleveland’s lack of reported interest in veteran quarterbacks in free agency suggests they will take a quarterback in the draft. Whether it’s Ward or Sanders could remain a mystery until they’re on the clock in April.
Browns Pair Ward With Matthew Golden in Round 2
With their new quarterback in place, the Browns will need to surround him with talent. Jerry Jeudy had a strong second half of the 2024 season after Jameis Winston took over at quarterback, while Cedric Tillman appeared to break out before a concussion ended his season.
Adding one of the top wide receivers in the draft could elevate Cleveland’s passing game and make things easier for their rookie quarterback. With the team not in position to take the consensus No. 1 receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, Enriquez has them turning to Matthew Golden.
Many experts consider Golden the second-best receiver on his college team. However, the Texas prospect has risen up draft boards and is now among the top consensus receivers in the draft. He further impressed at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, recording the fastest 40-yard dash time among all receivers. His 4.29-second time would have been the second-fastest at the 2024 NFL Combine, trailing only Xavier Worthy.
If the Browns want to turn their fortunes around, hitting on their early picks this year will be crucial. They managed to convince star player Myles Garrett to extend his stay in Cleveland, which suggests they have a plan in place. In an ultra-competitive AFC North, whoever they draft will need to be ready for battle come September.