2025 Cleveland Browns Predictions & Projections

Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) and quarterback Joe Flacco (15) throw passes during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The biggest question for the Browns’ starting lineup is who will be their quarterback. Joe Flacco will likely start due to his experience, but if the team loses its first four games, it may decide to lose the season intentionally.

Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shadeur Sanders make up a young group of players. This group could turn out to be either very successful or not so good. Right now, it’s difficult to decide who might not fit in among the four players. What they do next will be interesting to watch.

Running Back

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins runs during a Browns rookie minicamp drill at the team’s training facility May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

Quinshon Judkins, a rookie expected to do well, is currently missing from training camp due to legal issues. As a result, Dylan Sampson is now the starting running back.

Jerome Ford had an impressive average of almost 5.4 yards per carry last year in the NFL and is a strong option for passing plays. While Nick Chubb will be missed, this running back group has the potential to be the best it has been in a long time.

Wide Receiver

Jul 26, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) runs a drill during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The wide receiver group is not very strong, with few established players. Jerry Jeudy is the top wide receiver on the team. Cedric Tillman showed great potential last season but got injured.

The WR3 position battle between Diontae Johnson and Jamari Thrash will be interesting. Johnson hopes to win the role, but his recent performance hasn’t been strong. Since the Browns didn’t draft any new wide receivers, they will likely rely on younger players like Thrash, David Bell, and Michael Woods to fill this spot.

Tight End

Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush (30) gets a hand on tight end David Njoku (85) during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

David Njoku is the main starter for the Browns. He has become a strong offensive player for the team in recent seasons. Much of the season will depend on his performance.

The Browns may have made a great pick with Harold Fannin Jr. at 67th overall. He can play as a tight end in various positions, giving the offense more flexibility. With Stefanski back as play caller, expect to see many two-tight-end formations.

Center

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) talks with center Ethan Pocic (55) at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Ethan Pocic has played well for the Browns. He snaps the ball effectively, which is crucial when the team changes quarterbacks multiple times throughout the season.

When the offensive line is healthy, he can work well with the starters. If everyone stays active and the team returns to old blocking strategies, Pocic and the offensive line are likely to perform well again.

Left Guard and Right Guard

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns guards Germain Ifedi (65), Joel Bitonio (75), and Wyatt Teller (77) take the field to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Joel Bonito has built an impressive career and has become a strong leader for the Browns’ offensive line. Despite being known for his pancake blocks, Wyatt Teller had a disappointing 2024 season. In the past, their teamwork has been a clear strength for the team.

Left Tackle And Right Tackle

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) watches from the sideline during practice at NFL minicamp, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]

Dawand Jones looked promising as a potential starting left tackle for the Browns before he got hurt. There is hope that he can stay healthy and fill that role in the future.

Conklin has not been the star correct tackle that the Browns expected when they paid him. He performs well when he stays healthy. This season, health is a big concern for the offensive line.

Defensive Tackle

Jun 10, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Ralph Holley (63) and defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) walk off the field during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Mason Graham is expected to start right away and be the #2 player on the defensive line next to Myles Garrett. With Myles on the edge and Graham in the middle, the defensive line will be a key strength for Cleveland this season.

Maliek Collins will probably start at defensive tackle for Cleveland. He comes from San Francisco and understands what makes a good defense. Collins will be an essential player on the line next season.

Defensive End

Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) plays catch with fans during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Defensive End Myles Garrett aims to have another season as the Defensive Player of the Year. He will continue to be a challenge for opposing quarterbacks and can win games for the Browns in a way that no other defensive player can.

Isaiah McGuire showed promise last season after the trade of Za’Darius Smith. Alex Wright has performed well as he approaches a contract year, returning from a season-ending injury. The competition for the edge position will be interesting.

Linebacker

Jul 26, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) takes a break during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Mahmoud Diabate showed some flashes of promise last season, stepping in after injuries. Carson Schweisenger is another linebacker expected to play meaningful snaps from the start.

The Browns need a linebacker to fill the enormous gap left by JOK’s injury. They must avoid letting opponents create open plays in the middle, so the defensive line can have time to pressure the opposing quarterback.

Cornerback

Jul 26, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Denzel Ward is their starting cornerback and still one of the best corners in the NFL. Over the past two seasons, Ward has allowed over 64 yards in a game only six times.

Greg Newsome will be given a chance to build and grow into the true starting CB the team expects him to become. There are questions as to whether he holds his own, but Schwartz has been able to scheme CBs to their strengths.

Safety

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (22) scores a touchdown ahead of safety Grant Delpit (9) during practice at NFL minicamp, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]

Grant Delpit will start as a safety for the Browns again. Although he has not fully lived up to expectations from his draft days, he has still been a reliable starter at the position. There is hope that he will continue to improve.

Kicker And Punter

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns place kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) lines up a field goal attempt against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Browns have faced their fair share of misfortune when it comes to kickers over the years. Last season, Dustin Hopkins performed admirably, leaving fans hoping for fewer nail-biting moments during crucial kicks. 

Corey Bojorquez is a dependable punter who is expected to be utilized frequently. With the amount of action a Browns punter sees, fans might want to get accustomed to hearing his name often.

Special Teams

Cleveland Browns wide receiver DeAndre Carter watches during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

Recruit DeAndre Carter is set to assume the role of the leading return specialist for the Browns. There’s optimism that he can provide the offense with advantageous starting positions, which will be crucial if the team struggles to get into a rhythm.

End Of My Browns Rant

Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Few expect the Browns to have a successful season this year, given the numerous uncertainties surrounding their offense. However, suggesting they will finish with a record of 1-16 or 0-17 is simply ridiculous. The Browns are set to face the Bengals twice, as well as the Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, Bears, and Titans.