One of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns want to be competitive right now, if the extension for Myles Garrett is any indication. Even after they made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league at the time of the extension, the roster needs tinkering to reach its full potential.
That, of course, begins with stability behind the center. But, with a plethora of choices at their disposal, the latest mock draft from PFSN has them going in a slightly less obvious route to ensure the short and long-term success of the squad.
2) Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Cleveland Browns have a lot of options at No. 2. While they could go with a quarterback here, a defensive standout is probably the better overall value.
Abdul Carter’s speed and agility make him tough for offensive tackles to block, and he’s built with long arms and a deep arsenal of pass-rushing moves. With his combination of elite physical tools, strong tape, and positional value, he might just be the top overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The move is a shocking one for sure, but given the defensive ceiling a Carter-Garrett duo could possess, it makes sense for Kevin Stefanski to once again make defense the backbone of his team.
33) Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Moving up for Dart could make sense here for the Browns in this scenario, but with the Giants beating them to the bunch, they’ll gladly settle on a playmaking defensive back as a consolation prize.
Maxwell Hairston had six interceptions and three pick-sixes over his last 20 games at Kentucky. He’s a long, athletic corner with great route recognition and the deep speed to excel in zone coverage.
Continuing the theme, adding another defensive specialist could help make the unit even more dangerous. It is likely that a rookie or a veteran backup will handle the majority of quarterback duties for Cleveland. Then, relying on defense becomes even more paramount.
67) Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Jalen Milroe may go much higher than this because of his immense upside stemming from his strong arm and elite athleticism. That said, Cleveland would be a great landing spot for him to sit for a year or two, then inevitably push for a starting role.
Deshaun Watson ranked dead last in PFSN’s QB+ metric last season. Anything should most likely be an improvement over that standard. Milroe, as a new-age Jalen Hurts, could be a breath of fresh air for Cleveland as a dual-threat quarterback to wreak havoc on opposing defenses as he theoretically gets better with time and development.
94) Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
With the Browns in need of a replacement for Nick Chubb in the long term, a speedy, shifty running back like Dylan Sampson could be a good candidate with the ability to carve out a niche early on.
Last year was one of the worst of Chubb’s career and in a deep running back class, it should be easy for the Browns to find a solid option even this late. Sampson exploded out for a 1,491 yards and 22 touchdown campaign in his final collegiate season. That could form the basis for a potentially long NFL career.
104) Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Outside of Jerry Jeudy, no wide receiver for the Browns cracked the 550-yard mark. Some help in that group is a necessity which makes Tory Horton a smart addition. Not a full route tree runner, he will be used in special packages where he can thrive and be genuinely dangerous.
However, an injury in his final collegiate season does put a question mark on his ceiling. The previous two years saw him record over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns consecutively, providing the basis for someone who can be a revelation in Cleveland if healthy.
179) John Williams, OT, Cincinnati
Last year’s 20th-ranked unit on PFSN’s OL+ metric was by no means terrible. But, as a rookie quarterback comes in to handle the reins of the offense, providing him with necessary coverage is a necessity.
As a result, John Williams makes perfect sense for the Browns. He could be a long-term starter and make an immediate impact as a pass protection specialist with an incredible football IQ. However, his true potential lies in growth on the interior.
192) JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
A plethora of defensive help is on the way for the ninth-best unit on PFSN’s Defense+ metric last season. First is JJ Pegues at the defensive tackle, whose quickness and agility should make him valuable against the zone and in run plays.
200) Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU
Next is Tyler Batty as an edge rusher. Even this deep in the draft, he projects as an immediate rotational piece who could even develop into a starter. He has undeniable motor, and incredible strength, which when paired with his IQ, could make him a steal late in the Draft.
216) Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
While adding depth to the defense line, Cody Simon should be immediately valuable to special teams units. When going ultra-aggressive with his defensive play-calling, Stefanski could find some use for Simon as a blitz specialist or against the run.
255) Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky
Finally, the third last player taken in the entire draft, Jamon Dumas-Johnson provides more of the mold Simon has. Brilliant against the run and in blitz plays, he should be an asset immediately on early downs.