Browns mock draft following Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft

Could the Cleveland Browns be building a juggernaut through the 2025 NFL draft?

This mock draft dives deep into how the Browns could strategically bolster their roster, starting with a dynamic playmaker early and unearthing potential gems in the later rounds.

General Manager Andrew Berry isn’t kicking his feet back and cruising through the final two days of the draft after selecting Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall pick, and neither are we here at the Browns Wire. With this mock draft, I will delve into how the Browns can strategically address offensive needs with high-impact playmakers and continue to bolster their defensive depth, aiming to build a truly complete and contending roster. From a dynamic wide receiver early to a developmental quarterback and a high-upside linebacker late, this draft reflects a commitment to both immediate impact and long-term growth.

Let’s dive into the potential selections that could shape the Cleveland Browns’ future.

Browns 2025 NFL draft mock draft

To kick off our mock, the Cleveland Browns select dynamic playmaker Luther Burden III with the 33rd pick. A former five-star recruit, Burden demonstrates elite athleticism and playmaking ability. His natural on-field presence features 4.4 speed and exceptional ball skills in the body of a running back, enabling him to be deployed in a variety of ways.

While concerns about occasional lapses in effort and abbreviated routes contributed to his availability beyond the first round, his potential remains substantial. Despite subpar quarterback play at Missouri, Burden exhibited more than enough on film to show off his ability to track and adjust to deep passes, demonstrating skills comparable to a seasoned outfielder.

Burden is a proficient playmaker capable of producing impactful plays. Once the ball is in his hands, he is looking to squeeze every yard out of the play. His electrifying abilities present a significant scoring threat, and his addition would bring a jolt of energy to the Browns’ offense.

Browns grab Shedeur Sanders in a 2025 NFL draft mock draft

The Browns snag a potential franchise quarterback in Shedeur Sanders with the 36th overall pick. A name familiar to football fans since his high school days and one of Deion Sanders’ talented sons, Shedeur entered the draft with many anticipating his name being among the first 32 in the first round. This sentiment was echoed by both the young quarterback and his renowned father, “Coach Prime.” While Sanders didn’t witness his name called on opening night in Green Bay, his decision to skip the televised event doesn’t diminish the intrigue surrounding his pro potential.

Any notion that the numbers Sanders put up in 2024 merely resulted from gracing the gridiron with Travis Hunter quickly vanishes upon film study. Despite navigating an intense national spotlight and experiencing varied outcomes, Sanders consistently displays unwavering confidence. His foundational traits of poise, football intelligence, and accuracy are the cornerstones of a future NFL starter.

Though possessing standard arm strength and a deliberate release, Sanders effectively compensates with sharp anticipation and impressive accuracy. This pick injects a dose of exciting talent into the Browns’ quarterback room and offers a compelling developmental prospect. However, the second-round draft capital doesn’t give Sanders a long leash; if he fails to impress the team in 2025, the Browns have every chance to take another swing at the position in the much-anticipated 2026 quarterback class.

Browns 2025 NFL draft mock draft

The Cleveland Browns inject dynamic playmaking ability into their secondary by selecting Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba with the 67th overall pick. Mukuba possesses the raw athleticism and versatility coveted by modern NFL defenses, showcasing his potential to become a true difference-maker in coverage. His experience against elite ACC and SEC competition underscores his readiness to contribute immediately as a sub-package defender, with the ceiling to develop into a full-time starter.

While he will benefit from adding bulk to handle every-down duties closer to the line of scrimmage, Mukuba’s exceptional instincts and sharp route recognition skills position him as an immediate asset in passing situations. Defensive coordinators who prioritize pre-snap disguise and varied coverage schemes will find creative ways to unleash his multifaceted skillset.

Although his growth as a run defender will dictate his ultimate potential, his inherent coverage prowess makes him a valuable addition in today’s pass-dominated NFL landscape. As a fluid athlete, Mukuba changes direction effortlessly in two-high safety alignments. He demonstrates impressive range, quickly covering significant ground to the sidelines as a deep safety in Cover 2 and Cover 3. When the ball is in the air, Mukuba is your best friend.

Browns 2025 NFL draft mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

On tape, this Kansas State product showcases exceptional vision and breathtaking lateral agility, consistently carving out extra yardage through sheer elusiveness, rather than relying solely on brute force or top-end speed.

Expect Giddens to thrive in zone-blocking schemes that capitalize on his sharp decision-making and explosive one-cut ability. While his running instincts could translate across various systems with focused coaching, the film reveals a tale of two backs within one player: a natural, instinctive runner operating effectively between the tackles and a pass-catching contributor still honing his craft.

Giddens’ current limitations on third downs might initially cap his role; however, his ball security and ability to make positive gains provide immediate value on early downs. Ultimately, the Browns land a shifty running back brimming with receiving upside. The key to unlocking Giddens’ full potential and maximizing his snap share lies in refining his blocking prowess.

Browns 2025 NFL draft mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins, American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK

For the Browns, Gunnar Helm offers a compelling blend of size and reliable hands. He demonstrates savvy route-running ability across all levels of the field. While Texas’ scheme often provided him with clean releases and open looks, his natural feel for space and secure hands make him a quarterback’s best friend, consistently moving the chains in crucial situations.

Projected as a valuable TE2 in 12-personnel packages, Helm brings positional versatility to the Browns’ offense. He can line up as a traditional in-line tight end, operate as an H-back, or flex out into the slot, providing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey with intriguing options. Built in the mold of a classic Y tight end, Helm possesses functional pass-catching skills and presents a sizable target. While improvement in run blocking is needed, Helm’s receiving upside makes him an exciting addition to the Browns’ tight end room.

Browns 2025 NFL draft mock draft

Chase Lundt is a battle-tested right tackle from the collegiate ranks. While his arm length might lead some teams to consider him at guard, Lundt’s powerful core and strong hands are undeniable assets. He consistently demonstrates excellent balance through contact and employs precise hand placement to dominate in the running game.

Lundt possesses the technical prowess and sufficient flexibility to execute both head-up blocks and effectively operate as a pulling lineman. Although a potential move inside could necessitate adding more bulk, his current technique is sound. Despite lacking ideal mass and girth to consistently anchor against powerful NFL defensive linemen, a factor that, coupled with his more advanced age, might limit his immediate starting potential, Lundt projects as a valuable rotational piece with the upside to become a spot starter early on.

Browns 2025 NFL draft mock draft

Buchanan’s intriguing blend of size, athleticism, and special teams ability fuels his selection here. While his play recognition needs development, his athletic prowess shines in coverage. Buchanan turned heads at the NFL Combine with impressive testing, and that athleticism was reflected on his tape, where he demonstrates the range to be an effective coverage linebacker. Notably, he flashes impressive ball skills for the position, consistently disrupting passing lanes.

Even with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah back in Berea, the Browns’ linebacker depth remains a question mark. Following their successful development of Mo Diabate last year, Cleveland could again look to mold Buchanan’s raw talent into the kind of versatile defender Jim Schwartz can deploy behind our revamped defensive line.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns mock draft following Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft

Showbiz Viral

Browns mock draft following Day 1 of the 2025 NFL draft

Leave a Reply Cancel reply