The NFL Scouting Combine is in the rearview mirror and we are inching closer to the 2025 NFL Draft at the end of April. Next up on the agenda for the Cleveland Browns is free agency, where we will get a better feel of what their draft approach will be.

Cleveland needs a quarterback but that does not mean they take him at No. 2 where they are currently set to pick. The Browns could move up, down, or take the best player available on their board at that selection.

There is no better time to do a mock draft now that the combine is over. Here we go.

Round 1, Pick 2: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

I fully expect that Miami QB Cam Ward will go No. 1 overall, whether that is to the Tennessee Titans or a team that trades up. Following the combine, it feels like the Browns are staying at No. 2 and taking a quarterback. If the Browns can’t get Ward, Shedeur Sanders falls into their lap at No. 2.

Cleveland does not have to start Sandwrs Day 1, as they can bring in a veteran quarterback. However, Sanders gives Cleveland the most accurate passer in the draft and is an overall smart football player. Sanders is a pocket passer who should fit well in Kevin Stefanski’s system.

Round 2, Pick 33: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.

Cleveland has a hole at left tackle and it has to be addressed. With a new quarterback likely coming in, it is even more key that the Browns set him up for success. If Cleveland can take Conerly early in the second round it would be a terrific pic. Conerly is a good athlete that can move at 6-foot-4 and 311 pounds. Conerly gave up just one sack in over 500 pass sets in 2024 with the Ducks.

Round 3, Pick 67: Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson

Johnson is a big, powerful running back at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds who has long speed when he gets out in space. At his size, the 4.58 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine was plenty fine. Johnson ran for over 1,500 yards in 2024 and has franchise running back written all over him. It isn’t a given that he is here at this pick, but it would be a great way to move on from the Nick Chubb era for Cleveland.

Round 3, Pick 94: Ole Miss DE Jared Ivey

Cleveland is going to invest in the trenches every single draft on both sides of the ball. While the team has zero plans of trading Myles Garrett, they should continue to add at the EDGE position anyway. Ivey is a big and strong pass rusher at 6-foot-5 and 282 pounds and is a good run stopper, which makes him valuable across from a player like Garrett. Ivey improved consistently over his college career which took him from Georgia Tech to Ole Miss. In 2024, Ivey recorded 42 tackles, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. 

Browns projected to sign a polarizing quarterback who would have a lot of Cleveland fans thrilled

He would be the vet in the room.