Browns pass on a quarterback early in latest 2025 NFL mock draft and it pays off later

We are just a few days away from free agency ramping up for the NFL and that period is going to give us a better feel of how teams are going to operate during the draft.

The Cleveland Browns specifically are a team that is going to be interesting to watch in free agency. Cleveland’s single biggest task this off-season is to address the quarterback position.

In a recent three-round NFL mock draft, the Browns pass on a quarterback early, but they find good value at the position later. Cleveland selected Penn State DE Abdul Carter at No. 2 overall, then found Alabama G Tyler Booker at No. 33 overall.

Browns land their quarterback to develop in the third round

This mock has the Browns taking Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart at No. 67 overall. Dart’s draft stock seems to be in the second to third round, as he is battling to be QB3 in this class. In this instance, the Browns would be starting a free agent in Week 1. No matter what, the Browns are going to be signing a quarterback.

“I'm shocked Jason Dart is still available here, and this would be a stunning outcome if he slips outside of the top 40 picks next month. Cleveland gets the best possible outcome in this scenario, landing a viable young starter to develop alongside an incredibly talented rookie class.” -- Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports

Dart started his career at USC where he played in six games in 2021 before he transferred to Ole Miss. Dart’s career took off when he arrived with the Rebels. In his sophomore season, Dart threw 20 touchdowns to 11 interceptions with 2,974 yards in 13 games. Dart has stayed healthy for Ole Miss the last three seasons this 39 games played in that time.

The best season for Dart was this past year when he threw 29 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Dart completed 69 percent of his passes for 4,279 yards in 2024 and upped his draft stock a ton.

Cleveland would have to pass on Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders early to make this happen. It is a real possibility that the Browns opt to wait for a QB in a down class.