No team has more value in draft capital than the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft.

After a 3-14 season, the Browns will be picking No. 2 overall when April rolls around. Cleveland just finished up a very poor season where they once again lost Deshaun Watson to a significant injury.

General manager Andrew Berry revealed that Watson suffered a setback on Monday, which should give the Browns more reason to go in a certain direction in this draft.

Let’s dive in on my first seven-round mock draft of the year.

Round 1, Pick 2: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

The Tennessee Titans would likely take Cam Ward in this situation. This leaves the Browns with the most pro-ready and accurate passer in the draft. While Sanders likely doesn’t have a sky-high ceiling with an average arm and limited athletic ability, he gives Cleveland consistency at the most important position.

Round 2, Pick 33: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

Cleveland has a glaring hole at left tackle and has to find a starter there for Week 1 next year. Simmons looked like the best tackle in the country before his season ended in October. The Browns find a Day 1 starter here who has improved a ton over the last couple of years.

Round 3, Pick 67: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

For the second straight pick, the Browns take a player from in-state. Henderson can be a three-down running back who is a very good pass blocker and pass-catching threat. Henderson doesn’t have loads of usage like some backs and his explosiveness is an attractive cut for any team.

Round 4, Pick 93 (via Bills): DT Omar Norman-Lott, Tennessee

Cleveland needs to continue adding youth on the inside of the interior. Norman-Lott has played a ton of college football and was a productive pass rusher on the inside.

Round 4, Pick 103: WR Matthew Golden, Texas

I’m not sure that Golden lasts this long, but the Browns should jump on selecting him if he is there at this selection. Golden was very productive as a junior at Texas after transferring from Houston. The Browns have to add more wideout depth and this speedster would be a positive add.

Round 5, Pick 167 (via Lions): OL Emery Jones Jr., LSU

Jones was one that many saw as a first-rounder at the beginning of the college season, since then he has slipped to being a middle to late-round guy. While Jones is a tackle now, he likely ends up a guard in the pros. There is uncertainty around whether or not Joel Bitonio will retire. Cleveland will have the answer to that before the draft but should invest in the interior no matter what.

Round 6, Pick 178: CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech

You know Andrew Berry isn’t going to go a draft without taking a cornerback. Greg Newsome II will be on his fifth-year option next season and Martin Emerson Jr. had a poor second season. Strong gives them another body in that group. The Virginia Tech standout had five interceptions the last two seasons combined.

Round 6, Pick 191 (via Bears): S Jaylen Reed, Penn State

With Rodney McLeod’s retirement, the Browns need to add another safety. That should come in the draft rather than drafting one. Reed would give the Browns depth and is a player they can develop. A very productive senior season so far with 92 tackles, three interceptions, and 2.5 sacks.

Round 6, Pick 203 (via Vikings): LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

Cleveland has found recent success getting linebacker depth via undrafted free agents recently and they might opt to do that here. I chose to take a player that has played a ton of college football and that has had success while doing so. Kiser is a smart, strong linebacker that can stick in the NFL. 

Browns GM Andrew Berry provides crucial update on Deshaun Watson that is going to impact the team in 2025

Watson may not play in 2025.