The Cleveland Browns are making a triumphant return to the first round of the NFL Draft, and fans are buzzing with excitement. It’s been a three-year wait since the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson and relinquished their previous first-round picks, but now they’re sitting pretty at No. 2 overall. While the spotlight is understandably shining bright on that top pick, Cleveland is set to make an impressive nine selections over the three-day draft, giving them ample opportunity to reshape their roster.
The Browns find themselves in a unique position. The depth of their needs is undeniable, making it unlikely that they’ll address every concern this draft cycle. However, the urgency is clear: they must prioritize finding a reliable quarterback who can become a long-term leader for the franchise. Alongside this quest for a signal-caller, the Browns will also be targeting playmakers in various skill positions to bolster their offensive capabilities.
Looking ahead at the No. 2 pick, we can speculate on who might be the best fit for the Browns:
- Tennessee Titans are expected to have the top pick locked up with Cam Ward, a quarterback from Miami, seen as the consensus choice to go No. 1 as the lone sure thing in this draft.
- As for the Browns, one intriguing option could be Travis Hunter, a dynamic wide receiver/cornerback from Colorado. His dual-threat ability to impact games on both sides of the ball makes him an enticing prospect that Cleveland may find hard to resist.
Meanwhile, as we move through the draft’s first round, here’s a look at potential selections for other teams that might shape the league landscape:
- The New York Giants could be eyeing Abdul Carter, a defensive end from Penn State, as they continue to build their defensive line.
- The New England Patriots may select Will Campbell, a tackle from LSU, to anchor their offensive line in Mike Vrabel’s new era as head coach.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars seem poised to add Ashton Jeanty, a running back from Boise State, to give their new coach a standout offensive piece.
- The Las Vegas Raiders may look to shore up their offensive line with Armand Membou from Missouri.
- With two tackles already off the board, the New York Jets might pivot to selecting tight end Tyler Warren from Penn State.
- The Carolina Panthers are still searching for that game-changing pick and could go with Jalon Walker, a linebacker from Georgia.
- The New Orleans Saints could snatch up Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan, opting for the best player available rather than focusing solely on pressing needs.
Now, let’s shift focus to the rest of the Browns’ picks throughout the draft, giving them significant opportunities to build for the future.
In the second round, Cleveland may find value with Jalen Milroe, a quarterback from Alabama. While the team could opt for a longer wait to select a quarterback, Milroe’s impressive physical attributes make him a candidate worth considering.
In the third round, the team might target Elijah Arroyo, a tight end from Miami, and potentially Omarr Norman-Lott, a defensive tackle from Tennessee, with the pick they acquired from Buffalo.
As we progress into the fourth round, the Browns could look at Charles Grant, a tackle from William & Mary, further solidifying their offensive line.
In the later rounds, the Browns have picks that could bring them players like Raheim Sanders, a running back from South Carolina, and Garrett Dellinger, a guard from LSU, who they might draft with selections originating from trades. Additionally, they could take a shot at Dillon Gabriel, a quarterback from Oregon, in the sixth round—another option if they choose to delay their primary QB selection.
Finalizing their draft strategy with a talent like R.J. Mickens, a safety from Clemson, in the sixth round could also pay dividends, as could a seventh-round flyer in Efton Chism III, a wide receiver from Eastern Washington.
Ultimately, while the Browns are set for an exciting draft, the focus remains on building a competitive and dynamic team. The road ahead is promising, and with the right selections, the franchise could be gearing up for a successful future. The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and all eyes will be on Cleveland’s next moves.
