NFL executive predicts how Browns would react to missing out on Cam Ward in draft

The Browns reportedly are among the teams that could acquire the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft from the Tennessee Titans so that Cleveland can land Miami quarterback Cam Ward. However, some are convinced that a Tennessee side that needs a long-term signal-caller will hold onto the No. 1 selection and take Ward. 

On Wednesday, The Athletic's Mike Sando revealed that at least one unnamed NFL executive believes the Browns will feel they have no choice but to select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the draft's second pick if Tennessee takes Ward. 

"If you are the leadership of these two teams (Tennessee and Cleveland), even if you have the ability to sign one of those veteran guys, you can’t afford the opportunity cost for the chance that Cam Ward is a real guy, Shedeur Sanders is a real guy," the executive told Sando. 

The Browns are expected to sign a veteran such as Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons to a team-friendly deal as soon as March 10, when NFL free agency officially opens. 

Numerous NFL front office members and other league personnel think neither Ward nor Sanders is as good as the six quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2024 draft. The Browns are desperate now that the Deshaun Watson era seems to be over. 

On Tuesday, The Athletic's Ted Nguyen noted that "not every team has a first-round grade" on Sanders. Sando mentioned that some executives think Sanders "holds the ball too long, lacks high-end traits and hit the wrong notes in combine interviews." Some of those executives even have "second-round grades" on Sanders. 

Nevertheless, the quarterback-needy New York Giants hold the draft's third pick and have been linked with Sanders for months. Thus, it's unlikely Cleveland could slide down the draft order and still get Sanders. 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer shared on Wednesday that individuals associated with the club "first met with Sanders one-on-one at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January and came away impressed." The Browns also feel that "Sanders has what it takes to lead the franchise if they draft him." 

Sanders probably isn't Cleveland's first choice. Still, general manager Andrew Berry may decide he has to grab the polarizing prospect if the Titans keep what becomes the Ward pick.