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Re-Grading the Cleveland Browns 2025 Draft

Originally posted on Football Analysis | By Aaron Sauter | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 11:50 PM ET

While it’s hard to argue that the Cleveland Browns had a great 2025 NFL draft, given their 5-12 record, Cleveland selected impact players. Most casual NFL fans focused on the team’s quarterback choices, Dylan Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who were taken in the 3rd and 5th rounds, respectively. However, many overlooked the Browns’ acquisition of two generational defensive players.

During the draft, many criticized the Browns’ decision to trade the second overall pick to Jacksonville rather than select WR/DB Travis Hunter. Nevertheless, by trading the pick, the Browns received draft capital that allowed them to acquire more middle-round picks. This move ultimately paid off, as their defensive selections proved to be jackpot picks. Although the Browns did not have a turnaround season in 2025, the addition of defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger helped jump-start a culture change.

Cleveland Browns 2025 Draft Class

Round	Pick	Player	College
1	5	Mason Graham (DT)	Michigan
2	33	C. Schwesinger (LB)	UCLA
2	36	Quinshon Judkins (RB)	Ohio St.
3	67	Harold Fannin Jr. (TE)	B. Green
3	94	Dillon Gabriel (QB)	Oregon
4	126	Dylan Sampson (RB)	Tennessee
5	144	Shedeur Sanders (QB)	Colorado

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger led all NFL rookies in total tackles with 119 and was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, first-round draft pick Mason Graham made an immediate impact as a defensive tackle, starting all 17 games. Graham also reinforced the middle of the Browns’ defensive line, allowing the edge rushers of the Browns to have a dominant season, including Garrett breaking the NFL record for most quarterback sacks in a single season.

Running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. both established themselves as important weapons for the Browns’ offense. Also, Shedeur Sanders finished the 2025 season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback and is expected to be in the running to keep the job. On the other hand, quarterback Dillon Gabriel lacked the arm strength to lead the Browns offense, and running back Dylan Sampson failed to find an active role.

Cleveland Browns 2025 Draft Re-Grade = A

Ultimately, the 2025 draft added four full-time players to the Browns’ roster, and each demonstrated the ability to be the best on the Browns’ depth chart at their respective positions. The production of those four players outweighed the lack of impact from Gabriel and Sampson on the Cleveland offense. Heading into the 2026 NFL draft, the Browns have a new head coach but several elite players to build the rest of their team around on offense and defense.

Make sure that you check out, Re-Grading the Minnesota Vikings 2025 Draft

This article first appeared on Football Analysis and was syndicated with permission.

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