A 2025 NFL Draft to remember for the Browns | The Huddle

As the Browns bring in their 2025 draft class of seven new players to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, here at ClevelandBrowns.com we're introducing a new series called The Huddle – a column, written by Kelsey Russo, on the happenings of the team.

Here I'll cover topics over the course of the season, providing my thoughts and analysis on offseason moments and news to weekly updates during the regular season. And what better time to kick off a new series following one of the biggest events of the offseason in the 2025 NFL Draft!

It was a weekend full of surprises. While entering draft weekend, I didn't fully expect the Browns to keep all 10 of their picks. But what transpired wasn't quite what I had on my BINGO card.

Trading back from No. 2 to No. 5? Sure, that wasn't out of the realm of possibility when it came to the idea of trading back – and I love the addition of DT Mason Graham to this defensive line as an interior pass rusher. As a premium position, adding a player like Graham who has a premium skillset is a valuable move.

Picking at No. 33 and No. 36? Sent some adrenaline through me getting stories out on the picks, but not all that crazy. They brought in a linebacker in Carson Schwesinger who has a modern-day archetype for the position with his speed, athleticism, ability to blitz and ability in the pass game, and added necessary depth to the running back room with Quinshon Judkins who has a more rugged run style.

Adding a local player and talented pass catcher in TE Harold Fannin Jr. at No. 67? Sign. Me. Up. I love the local connection, but Fannin is a talented tight end that led the FBS in total receptions with 117 and total receiving yards with 1,555 receiving yards for the 2024 season. Tight end was a position that needed depth, and Fannin can learn from David Njoku who leads that position group.

QB Dillon Gabriel at No. 94? We had an idea that a quarterback was coming at some point in the draft and the Browns went and got their guy. Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry described Gabriel as having a well-rounded game, with accuracy and poise and throws with anticipation. His 155 career touchdowns also set an all-time career FBS record.

Adding a second running back at No. 126 in Dylan Sampson? Running back is considered a premium position, and with the roster just featuring Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. heading into draft weekend, it was a selection that adds depth – especially as the Browns look to improve their run game that ranked 29^th in the league in average rushing yards per game in 2024.

But trading up from No. 166 to No. 144 and taking QB Shedeur Sanders? That one caught me the most off guard. Sanders is another great addition to the quarterback room and it adds another layer to the competition, but the timing of the selection just came as a bit of a surprise.

Listening to Berry discuss the selection provided a level of clarity to the addition of a fourth quarterback to the room. They spent an ample amount of time with Sanders during the draft season, getting to know him and those that surround him. They view him as highly accurate pocket passer who also protects the ball and has both arm strength and mobility. They also know there are areas of his game he can improve, such as the number of sacks he takes in a game.

While it wasn't their original plan heading into draft weekend to take two quarterbacks, Berry's explanation about their philosophy in best player available and positional value provides the context that makes this pick make sense.

"We didn't necessarily expect him to be available in the fifth round," Berry said. "We live by our board. We felt like he was a good, solid prospect at the most important position. We felt like it got to a point where he was probably mispriced relative to the draft. Really, the acquisition cost was pretty light, and it's a guy that we think can outproduce his draft slot."

The quarterback room now mainly features Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders. The intention of having a quarterback competition started with the additions of Pickett and Flacco but expanded with the selections of the rookies – and all four will have a chance to compete.

As we enter the next part of the offseason with OTAs and minicamp before training camp officially kicks off in a couple of months, one of the biggest questions for the Browns will center around the quarterback position. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has said they value a level of competition in position groups, especially at quarterback. Each quarterback on the roster has a chance to be named the starter, and for all the individual reasons they each hold, it fosters a level of healthy competition to bring out the best in each of them.

All in due time, though.

For now, all seven rookies will be in the building at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for rookie minicamp. It'll be their first full introduction into life in the NFL, and the first step in the process of preparing for the 2025 season with the Browns.

As the organization transitions to the next phase of the offseason and takes a second to reflect on the draft, the Browns improved with their draft class. They addressed different areas of need on the roster, added premium positions and premium skillsets all with the goal of improving the team. The results of their efforts will come to fruition in the 2025 regular season, but for now, a successful 2025 draft is in the books.