A 2-8 start for the Cleveland Browns has the fanbase already looking toward the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns appear well-positioned to draft high-end prospects in April, potentially altering the trajectory of their franchise. We've completed a seven-round mock draft, offering an early look at how the Browns could begin revamping the roster in what’s slated to be a critical offseason.
Round 1 (No. 3 overall): Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Deshaun Watson can not return as the starting quarterback next season. The Browns unfortunately have to bury his $230 million fully guaranteed contract on the bench because the financial penalties attached to releasing him are far too large. Miami's Cam Ward is a supremely talented prospect with a high ceiling due to his ability to create off-script magic. Decision-making represents an area of growth for Ward, but he possesses all the tools to develop into a dynamic QB.
Round 2 (No. 34 overall): Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
The Browns recently benched Jedrick Wills Jr. and moved Dawand Jones from right to left tackle. Jones has since suffered a season-ending injury, but he should be penciled back into the right tackle role next season. With Wills scheduled for free agency, and Jack Conklin as a potential cap casualty, drafting a new blindside protector could become a priority. The Browns would be fortunate to have Josh Conerly Jr. available to them in the second round. Conerly Jr. has the length and athleticism needed to play left tackle at the next level.
Round 3 (No. 69 overall): Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF
Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Elijah Moore (who is on an expiring deal) have played quality football since the Amari Cooper trade, but part of their success is because they're constantly playing from behind with a gunslinger at quarterback. Appropriately replacing Cooper with an "X" boundary receiver is important. Kobe Hudson has the size to play outside, and he's a savvy route-runner with well-developed ball tracking skills.
Round 3 (No. 94 overall): Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
This is the projected selection the Browns acquired from the Buffalo Bills in the Cooper trade. The separate deal that sent Za'Darius Smith to Detroit created a need opposite Myles Garrett at EDGE. Patrick Payton is an athletic and explosive pass rusher who's still scratching the surface of his next-level potential.
Round 4 (No. 105 overall): Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Nick Chubb is in a contract season and has looked like a shell of his former self this year since returning from ACL and MCL injuries suffered in 2023. Kansas' Devin Neal possesses the size to lead a backfield at the next level. Neal is a quick processor as a runner with outstanding contact balance.
Round 5 (No. 168 overall): Nazir Stackhouse, NT, Georgia
This is the projected selection acquired from the Lions. The Browns are allowing a 24th-ranked 131.7 rushing yards per contest. Jim Schwartz's defense is particularly weak up the middle, and Shelby Harris is on a one-year contract. Georgia's Nazir Stackhouse is an early-down run-stopping defensive tackle.
Round 6 (No. 178 overall): Seth McLaughlin, IOL, Ohio State
Ohio State's Seth McLaughlin recently suffered an Achilles injury that will drastically alter his pre-draft participation. The aging trio of Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Ethan Pocic across the interior are all scheduled to enter contract years in 2025. Drafting and stashing McLaughlin would give the Browns a future solution.
Round 6 (No. 189 overall): Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
You can never have enough cornerback depth and Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II could be in contract years next season. The Browns like big-bodied corner prospects. Nebraska’s Tommi Hill recently received a Senior Bowl invite, and he’s listed at a pro-ready 6-foot, 205 pounds.
Round 6 (No. 203 overall): Dominic Zvada, K, Michigan
The aging Dustin Hopkins is an extremely disappointing 14 of 20 this season. The Browns should draft competition at kicker. Michigan's Dominic Zvada is draftable. Zvada is in the midst of a campaign where he's successfully converted 92.9% of his attempts to date (13 of 14).
