After a 3-14 season, the Cleveland Browns now have the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team’s struggles at quarterback have been well-documented, and with Deshaun Watson’s ongoing injury issues and disappointing performance, Cleveland is looking to make some key changes under center.
However, they don’t appear to be interested in either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, the top two quarterback prospects in the class. Instead, Cleveland is predicted to select another QB of the future prospect in Jaxson Dart.
Browns Predicted To Select Jaxson Dart in 2025 NFL Draft
While Watson remains the Browns’ highest-paid player, his performance in 2025 did not live up to expectations. His PFSN QB+ rating for the regular season was 44.3 (F), which ranked him 39th in the league.
Watson played through injuries, and despite his hefty contract, his play left much to be desired. His Achilles injuries have made the situation in Cleveland even more complicated.
The Browns traded for 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett in free agency and are now predicted to select Dart in PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft by Ben Rolfe, who expects the rookie to compete with Pickett for the starting job. Rolfe predicts the Browns will send picks Nos. 33, 94, and 216 to the Commanders for No. 29 to select Dart.
“The Browns passed on a quarterback earlier but jumped back into the first round to grab one, with Dart being the target. Dart is far from a sure thing as a quarterback prospect, but he has a lot of high-end traits, including his leadership, which is something this offense has appeared to lack at times.
“Though Dart’s skill set is promising, his transition to the NFL carries risk. He has experience at the highest level of college football, and his rookie year will be a tough test. Dart could compete with Pickett for a Week 1 starting job in Cleveland.”
Dart was part of one of the most prolific offenses in college football with the Ole Miss Rebels. He threw for 4,279 yards and added 495 rushing yards, accounting for 32 total touchdowns. He also saw a significant jump in his completion percentage, improving by over 4.0% from his junior season to 69.3% in his final year.
Dart has widely been touted as the quarterback of the future who will need time to adapt to the NFL. In Cleveland, he gets that opportunity as a rotational starter with Pickett. Being in the same QB room with Watson is expected to significantly impact Dart as well, as the veteran had an impressive first four seasons with the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, Rolfe predicts the Browns will use their No. 2 overall pick on a generational defensive talent – Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, who would form a lethal duo with Myles Garrett.