Grading the 2025 NFL Draft class for the Cleveland Browns after they make the move that no other team wanted any part of
With the 2025 NFL Draft now over for the Cleveland Browns, the team will have seven new rookies to welcome in with this draft class. Cleveland went into the draft with 10 picks but made two trades to end up with 10 picks. First, the Browns traded out of No. 2, and later on they […]
With the 2025 NFL Draft now over for the Cleveland Browns, the team will have seven new rookies to welcome in with this draft class.
Cleveland went into the draft with 10 picks but made two trades to end up with 10 picks. First, the Browns traded out of No. 2, and later on they traded up into the fifth round.
Now that the draft has concluded, let’s grade how the Browns did.
Grading the Cleveland Browns’ 2025 NFL Draft class
Round 1, No. 5 overall: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan Wolverines
Cleveland needed more pass rush from the interior of the defensive line. They took Mike Hall Jr. last season in the second round but Graham gives them an elite defensive tackle prospect. Graham can be a force in both the pass and creating pressure on the QB.
This pick has to be looked at in a vacuum and yes, the Browns did pass on taking Travis Hunter. Jim Schwartz’s system needs a dominant 3-tech and Graham can be just that.
Grade: B+
Round 2, No. 33 overall: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
This certainly wasn’t an expected pick for the Browns and it is one that many didn’t have coming. However, he was the top linebacker on the board and has the chance to be rather dynamic. Schwesinger is the kind of player you want to go to war with. Great read and react skills and he can fly around the field.
Grade: C+
Round 2, No. 36 overall: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Cleveland had to land a playmaker in the second round at either running back or wideout. Judkins gives the Browns their running back of the future from Ohio State and he can step in right away and be that guy. Judkins brings power and speed, as well as the ability to be a receiving back and pass blocker.
Grade: B-
Round 3, No. 67 overall: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
We knew the Browns were going to take a tight end in this draft with David Njoku heading into a contract season. Fannin is one of the youngest players in the draft and put up 1,555 receiving yards with Bowling Green in his last college season. The ceiling to be a real weapon is there, we’ll see if Cleveland can untap it with the Canton native.
Grade: B
Round 3, No. 94 overall: Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
This was one of the more bizarre picks in the entire draft. No one expected to hear Gabriel’s name on Day 2 but the Browns made it happen. Gabriel is a 5-foot-11 quarterback who played six seasons of college football. Kevin Stefanski will value his ability to be accurate, on time, and overall IQ — but it was still a big reach by Cleveland.
Grade: D+
Round 4, No. 126 overall: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
After taking the running back with power and speed in Judkins earlier, the Browns add another exciting piece with Sampson out of Tennessee. Sampson has the ceiling to be one of the better running backs in this class after dominating the SEC in 2024. He’s a bit smaller but has dynamite ability with the ball in his hands. Cleveland could have gone offensive tackle or wide receiver and probably have been smarter for that, still, this is a value I had no idea they would have a chance to pair.
Grade: B+
Round 5, No. 144 overall: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
After taking Gabriel this is quite the move for the Browns to make. They gave up their sixth-rounder and last pick in the draft to make it happen in the process. Still, I get that they’re chasing the value here because grabbing Sanders this late in the draft is terrific. It makes the earlier pick of Gabriel look more questionable. Cleveland is clearly trying to throw as many bodies at the position as they can to get it to work.
