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Bill Simmons sends firm warning to the Cleveland Browns about how they use their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 1:40 PM ET

A week of free agency is behind us and the Cleveland Browns made a few moves. Their biggest addition was Maliek Collins, who will be a starting defensive tackle for the team. Other than that, the Browns made mostly depth moves in what is a bad free-agency class.

Cleveland should make most of its noise this offseason in the draft, where it will have 10 selections next month. The Browns have a major decision to make about what to do at No. 2 overall in the first round.

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons believes that the decision is cut and clear. Simmons went to X (Twitter) recently to share his thoughts.

“There’s been a lot of heartbreak with Cleveland sports these past 60 years, but passing on Sanders at #2 and opting for a Kenny Pickett/injured Deshaun Watson combo would be way up there.”

There’s been a lot of heartbreak with Cleveland sports these past 60 years, but passing on Sanders at #2 and opting for a Kenny Pickett/injured Deshaun Watson combo would be way up there.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 16, 2025

Simmons believes that the Browns need to take Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall. Interestingly enough, Sanders was the pick in the most recent mock draft that dropped this morning. The general feeling is that Miami QB Cam Ward will go No. 1 overall, which would leave Sanders as the next-best option in this class.

So far this offseason, the only move at quarterback was shipping Dorian Thompson-Robinson off for Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles. Simmons, like many, believes that the Browns would be doing themselves a disservice with Pickett as the guy. Deshaun Watson likely won’t play in 2025 while recovering from the Achilles injury.

After going 3-14 last season, the Browns need a fix at the quarterback position like a fish needs water. Jobs are tied to getting this position right in the NFL and Cleveland will see major changes if they can’t get things right there.

Sanders would offer the highest floor in the draft with his football IQ, elite accuracy, and toughness in the pocket. The Colorado QB doesn’t have elite traits, but he is the kind of quarterback that Kevin Stefanski could work well with.

There is just over a month until the draft and there will be plenty of takes floated about the No. 2 overall pick. The decision is one that Cleveland just can’t afford to get wrong.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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