The NFL world has its eyes locked on Cleveland as the 2025 NFL Draft nears. While most of the conversation has focused on top quarterback Cam Ward, the Browns are sitting in a prime position with the No. 2 overall pick and plenty of options on the table. Whether they stay put and select a future cornerstone or move down to collect more draft capital, Cleveland is shaping up to be one of the most active teams on the board.
But the Browns aren’t just making moves with picks — they’re also dangling proven defensive talent to reshape the roster. That includes a starting cornerback on a contract year and a pass rusher with value, signaling that Cleveland may be leaning toward a defensive reset in this year’s draft.
Browns Exploring Defensive Trades To Gain NFL Draft Capital
The 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and one team with a lot of decisions to make is Cleveland. The Browns currently possess the second pick in the NFL Draft order, but they could be aggressive in adding some more draft capital as well.
According to Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Browns are expected to make cornerback Greg Newsome II and defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo available ahead of the draft. These are two valuable pieces on the defensive side of the football as Newsome is entering the final year of his contract;Â Okoronkwo has posted 7.5 sacks over the previous two seasons.
Two #Browns players believed to be available via trade entering the draft, per sources: CB Greg Newsome and DE Ogbo Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo has recorded 7.5 sacks over the past two seasons, while Newsome — a former first-round pick — is entering the final year of his deal. pic.twitter.com/17mf96pE96
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report)
The Browns ranked ninth in PFSN’s Defense+ metric last season, and with these two being available, it could give us some additional insight into who they are targeting with the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Browns are looking to help accelerate the rebuilding process they are on, and getting some more draft picks for the front office to use would be the best asset they can get for either Newsome or Okoronkwo. Newsome would obviously net the franchise more of a return as he is a former first-round selection and would be playing on his fifth-year option for $13.377 million.
That isn’t an unreasonable price for a contending team looking to add a starting corner — especially if Newsome agrees to an extension as part of the trade. With both a cornerback and a defensive lineman on the block, it looks like Cleveland is planning to go defense-heavy in this year’s draft. They’ll have their pick of anyone not named Cam Ward.
GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Getting a Day 2 pick for Newsome seems realistic. Okoronkwo, meanwhile, might bring in a late-round pick or be part of a pick swap. He’s a 30-year-old defensive end with one year left on his deal. He’s set to make $2.235 million but will carry a $5.316 million cap hit.
Cleveland currently owns 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including four in the top 100. In a tough AFC North, the Browns are trying to load up on young talent and make a run at the playoffs. At the same time, they’re trying to build the foundation for long-term success.
