Browns Predicted to Land Deshaun Watson's Replacement After Blockbuster NFL Draft Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 1:27 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns are expected to use the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft to choose between edge rusher Abdul Carter or the multi-talented Travis Hunter, but an analyst suggests a third path -- one that could lead to a new franchise quarterback.

Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus predicted that the Browns would trade out of the No. 2 overall spot, giving the Chicago Bears the chance to take Carter and gathering some major draft capital in the process.

Cameron predicted that the Browns would use some of their newfound picks to trade back up to the end of the first round, taking Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 32 overall pick.

"Dart has been shooting up draft boards in recent weeks, and one look at his grading profile illustrates why," Cameron wrote. "The Ole Miss standout ranked as the highest-graded passer in numerous metrics, including PFF passing grade against the blitz (93.0) and on throws outside the numbers (91.6)."

Dart could have the chance to compete for the starting job, with Watson still recovering from a torn Achilles that he re-aggravated late last year. Grabbing Dart with the final pick of the first round would also give the Browns greater flexibility on his future, allowing them to pick up a fifth-year option at the end of his rookie contract.

The Browns would still have the chance to address other pressing needs under Cameron's hypothetical trade, with the team using the No. 10 overall pick on Marshall edge rusher Mike Green.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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