The dust has settled on the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Like every year, there were some shake-ups along the way, and we head into the second round of the draft with a surprising name still available on the board.
The Browns were the focal point of the start of the draft. The Titans had the first overall pick, and everyone was certain they would select Miami QB Cam Ward, which happened.
It was assumed that the Browns were going to take wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter despite needing a quarterback. Instead, Cleveland made a splash trade to move back in a swap with Jacksonville.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Hunter ended up in a Jaguars uniform, and the Browns were on the clock with the fifth overall pick. Cleveland once again eschewed quarterback, opting for Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham. That move may have worked out for Cleveland, as Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart was the only other QB selected in the first round.
The Browns now have the first pick in the second round, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is still on the board. Here is more on whether Cleveland will draft Sanders to start the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT: SN’s 7-round mock | Top 250 big board | Expert mock draft roundup
Will Browns draft Shedeur Sanders?
Ward was long considered the top quarterback in the class, with Sanders the consensus No. 2 QB. Many analysts had the Colorado signal-caller going to Cleveland at No. 2 or New York at No. 3. With news of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, Sanders also began getting mocked at No. 9 to the Saints. As the Steelers continued missing on quarterbacks, Sanders was then popularly mocked to Pittsburgh at No. 21.
None of that ended up happening. Cleveland is now on the clock again, and after their trade with the Jaguars, the Browns have two of the first four picks in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Cleveland has more than quarterback as a team need, though.
Cleveland already chose not to take Sanders in the first round when it would have received the advantage of a fifth-year option with him, opting not to package either of their second-round picks to move back into the first round to get him.
At this point, there’s no guarantee Cleveland will pull the trigger on the most talked-about player in the draft, but it would make sense in terms of fit. However, if the Browns aren’t enamored with Sanders’ talent, they could once again choose to address their many needs with some of their other most notable first-round fallers, like Luther Burden III or Nick Emmanwori.
Browns draft needs
Cleveland addressed its defensive tackle need in the first round by selecting Michigan’s Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall pick it got from Jacksonville. The Browns still need help at quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, and running back.
Currently, Cleveland has two picks in the second round and two picks in the third round on Friday night. This is a deep running back and offensive line class, so there is still plenty of talent at those positions in the second round.
Best Browns draft options in second round
Analysis taken from Vinnie Iyer’s big board
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-1, 212 pounds)
Sanders can do everything as a pinpoint pocket passer, and he has a knack for making big plays when needed most.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (6-3, 220 pounds)
Emmanwori flies around the field and plays like an extra linebacker against the run and got some first-round consideration because of plus coverage skills, too.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (6-0, 206 pounds)
Burden is a dangerously quick open-field receiver who is versatile enough to thrive outside or in the slot. He has special after-the-catch burst, too.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State (6-4, 215 pounds)
Higgins is a strong, physical target who uses his frame well to get open. He has risen up boards as this year’s potential Christian Watson.
Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina (6-2, 245 pounds)
Knight has plenty of appeal because of his speed and attack mode with some potential to grow better in coverage.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA (6-2, 225 pounds)
Schwesinger is a very strong and instinctive upfield linebacker who is rounding out into a more desired asset in coverage.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota (6-6, 331 pounds)
Ersery has the tantalizing upside to put together his power and athleticism into the complete left tackle package.
Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College (6-8, 316 pounds)
Trapilo has the footwork and power to be the ideal steal at right tackle, using his frame more to his advantage there.
Browns QB depth chart
| Position | Player Name |
| 1. | Deshaun Watson (injured) |
| 2 | Kenny Pickett |
| 3 | Joe Flacco |
Cleveland is in a weird spot with its quarterback room. Deshaun Watson remains the starter when he is healthy, but that qualifier has become very important. Watson missed the end of the 2024 season due to a torn Achilles. He then re-ruptured his Achilles in the offseason and is expected to miss the 2025 season.
The Browns acquired Kenny Pickett from the Eagles in a swap that saw Dorian Thompson-Robinson heading to Philadelphia. The former Steelers quarterback re-joins the AFC North and has a chance to start against the team that drafted him twice this year.
To round out their quarterback room, the Browns decided to bring back Joe Flacco after letting him walk in free agency in the 2024 offseason.
Even if he is selected in the second round, Sanders could easily start for the Browns in 2025 given the quarterback room.
Read the full article here
