- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 560,254
- Reaction score
- 48
The Cleveland Browns had an eventful draft, starting out by trading back from No. 2 overall to No. 5. The Browns doubled up at both quarterback and running back, injecting a lot of fresh competition into the offensive backfield. Yet the first two picks brought help to the defense. Here's how the rookie draft class can fit into the Browns roster in 2025.
Graham projects to start right away on the Cleveland defensive line, joining a rotation that also added free agent Maleik Collins to 2024 second-round pick Mike Hall and vet Shelby Harris. Cleveland lost veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Maurice Hurst from the line, meaning Graham could have a major impact right away.
The first pick of the second round, Schwesinger was a big draft riser coming off a strong final year at UCLA. He has the potential to handle the WILL role if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's injury keeps him out. Schwesinger can also play some MLB with his strong football IQ and open-field tackling.
Judkins, from Ohio State (and Ole Miss prior) will have the early edge as the Browns' new starting running back, as the team has opted to move on from Nick Chubb and his injuries. His hard-charging, inside-out style should be a clean transition to the NFL. The pick used to select Judkins came from the trade back from No. 2 with the Jaguars.
A Northeast Ohio native who played collegiately at nearby Bowling Green, Fannin immediately slots in as the Browns No. 2 tight end behind David Njoku. He's much more of a receiving specialist than a blocker. Expect Fannin to play considerably in 2-TE sets and in the red zone.
Gabriel is the most experienced QB in NCAA history from his 6 years as a starter across stints at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. A rhythm and timing passer with underrated running ability, Gabriel figures to compete with Kenny Pickett and Shedeur Sanders (more on him later) to be the primary understudy to grizzled vet Joe Flacco, albeit in a wildly divergent style from the 40-year-old. He's a good fit for coach Kevin Stefanski's offensive style if the arm strength meets requisite levels.
The second RB draftee, Sampson was a dynamic force for Tennessee as a short-not-small back. He can beat out Jerome Ford for the No. 2 RB job if his passing game skills develop quickly, though Sampson figures to start out behind Ford (and Judkins).
Like third-rounder Gabriel, Sanders is battling with vet Kenny Pickett for status behind Joe Flacco, with the hope that one of that trio can take over sooner than later. Sanders has the most natural talent of the three with his strong accuracy, self-assured presence and pre-snap diagnosing, as well as the strongest arm.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Evaluating the Browns draft picks and rookie fits
Continue reading...
First round: DT Mason Graham
Graham projects to start right away on the Cleveland defensive line, joining a rotation that also added free agent Maleik Collins to 2024 second-round pick Mike Hall and vet Shelby Harris. Cleveland lost veterans Dalvin Tomlinson and Maurice Hurst from the line, meaning Graham could have a major impact right away.
Second round: LB Carson Schwesinger
The first pick of the second round, Schwesinger was a big draft riser coming off a strong final year at UCLA. He has the potential to handle the WILL role if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's injury keeps him out. Schwesinger can also play some MLB with his strong football IQ and open-field tackling.
Second round: RB Quinshon Judkins
Judkins, from Ohio State (and Ole Miss prior) will have the early edge as the Browns' new starting running back, as the team has opted to move on from Nick Chubb and his injuries. His hard-charging, inside-out style should be a clean transition to the NFL. The pick used to select Judkins came from the trade back from No. 2 with the Jaguars.
Third round: TE Harold Fannin Jr.
A Northeast Ohio native who played collegiately at nearby Bowling Green, Fannin immediately slots in as the Browns No. 2 tight end behind David Njoku. He's much more of a receiving specialist than a blocker. Expect Fannin to play considerably in 2-TE sets and in the red zone.
Third round: QB Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel is the most experienced QB in NCAA history from his 6 years as a starter across stints at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon. A rhythm and timing passer with underrated running ability, Gabriel figures to compete with Kenny Pickett and Shedeur Sanders (more on him later) to be the primary understudy to grizzled vet Joe Flacco, albeit in a wildly divergent style from the 40-year-old. He's a good fit for coach Kevin Stefanski's offensive style if the arm strength meets requisite levels.
Fourth round: RB Dillon Sampson
The second RB draftee, Sampson was a dynamic force for Tennessee as a short-not-small back. He can beat out Jerome Ford for the No. 2 RB job if his passing game skills develop quickly, though Sampson figures to start out behind Ford (and Judkins).
Fifth round: QB Shedeur Sanders
Like third-rounder Gabriel, Sanders is battling with vet Kenny Pickett for status behind Joe Flacco, with the hope that one of that trio can take over sooner than later. Sanders has the most natural talent of the three with his strong accuracy, self-assured presence and pre-snap diagnosing, as well as the strongest arm.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Evaluating the Browns draft picks and rookie fits
Continue reading...
