Newsletter: Three Post-First Round Browns Mock Drafts

The Browns have to capitalize on the top of the second round in this one.

GREEN BAY, WI - APRIL 24: A general view NFL Draft logo prior to round one of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Well, it wasn’t quite what we thought it would be, but as Browns fans it’s not very often these drafts go that way. While we still process the ramifications of the deal the Browns made with Jacksonville, we are forced to do some analysis on how much we take seriously out of the team and whether or not they made the right decision — which is tough to do before any of these players touch the field for the first time.

I believe, at least at this point early the day after, that you can have two solid beliefs. First, the Browns did well in the trade. They only slid back three spots (as opposed to the 20’s during that nightmare Julio Jones trade) and they found an elite prospect in Mason Graham. The second belief is that you can just be upset they didn’t take Travis Hunter, the draft’s top prospect, and a player I think would have been a major asset both on the field and off the field.

You can also feel petrified of the Browns history on these deals and remind yourself that these don’t often work out for them. The scar tissue is real. Perhaps this is the one that bends their way and Graham is a multi-time All-Pro and Hunter’s talent on both sides of the ball never quite materializes. There’s always hope, but the pressure is on Graham given that pick slot, and position, to really deliver.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 24: Defensive Tackle Mason Graham of Michigan poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected fifth overall pick by the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

I find myself bummed with the choice and, again, not because the trade was flawed or the player they selected can’t play. I am bummed about the prospect of Hunter and what he could have been in Cleveland. And also bummed about the general public’s conviction this extra first round pick in 2026 means a quarterback answer. The odds remain low on that outcome for many reasons. This is something we can dig into in during the coming weeks.

Regardless our fears of last night’s outcome, we pick up the scraps and hope for the best on this scenario recognizing the Browns sort of own the top of this second round today and can make some important decisions that impact their 2025 outcome.

Let’s do three different mock drafts and show you some paths they can go.