Browns Bank on Upside in Three-Round Mock

The Cleveland Browns have made quite a mess. Between ownership’s perpetual incompetence, the worst quarterback contract in the history of the sport, and a front seven held together by a star who needed $160 million to stay, the road to relevance is a long one.

It starts with the No. 2 pick, a selection that allows for – but does not demand – the selection of a franchise quarterback. The Browns need stars, desperately, benefiting from the surplus value of elite talents on rookie contracts to fuel an ascension.

Fortunately for Cleveland, there are several routes to taking high-ceiling prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. As such, the Browns bank on upside across the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.

Round 1, Pick 2: Colorado Corner/Receiver Travis Hunter

At the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Andrew Berry admitted that, because of his ball skills, he views Hunter as a receiver more than a corner. That won’t prevent him from playing both ways at the next level. At this point, it seems like nothing will.

Playing Hunter at receiver allows Cleveland to make the supporting cast for a prospective passer that much better and works to amplify star receiver Jerry Jeudy. It’s probably for the best in terms of Hunter’s earning potential, and it’s definitely a boost to a passing offense that barely qualified as professional in 2024.

Round 2, Pick 33: Alabama Quarterback Jalen Milroe

Adding Hunter might be the best possible option at No. 2, but it will cease to truly matter until a quarterback capable of capitalizing is in the building. Enter Jalen Milroe.

Milroe has his warts, enough to make him a possible Day 2 pick despite 80-grade athleticism and amazing arm strength. His accuracy is inconsistent, his processing is questionable, and his tendency to tuck and run rather than throw on the move will earn him skepticism. But the Browns, again, are chasing upside, and Milroe might have more than any passer in this class.

Getting Milroe in an offense that is willing to weaponize his legs and air the ball out is critical, but the bare minimum. Having a head coach who can develop a quarterback and rein him in a bit, like Kevin Stefanski, could prove to be meaningful.

Acquiring Milroe in Round 2 might push his starting debut back, but frees Cleveland from the burden of starting him in 2026 if things go poorly and another top pick lands in its possession in 2026.

Round 3, Pick 67: South Carolina Defensive Tackle T.J. Sanders

Defensive tackle is a sore spot for the Browns, who have little long-term upside at the position but can use an injection of talent to best position Myles Garrett for success. Getting younger and more athletic up front should benefit the entire pass rush. Sanders is one of the plethora of tackles this class offers with that skill set.

Sanders’ explosiveness defines his game and allows him to translate speed to power well in pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. He may not develop into an every-down player, but a passing-down lineman on Day 2 is more than fair if he executes regularly.

Round 3, Pick 94: Louisville Edge Rusher Ashton Gillotte

Speaking of athletic pass rushers, Gillotte fits the bill as a complement to Garrett, even if he’s merely a rotational pass rusher at the next level. This is especially true in Year 1, when Cleveland can guarantee Gillotte will be paired with edge rusher Isaiah McGuire, who does his best work against the run. He totaled 2.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss across 16 games in 2024.

At 264 pounds, Gillotte’s frame won’t render him one-dimensional. It will be on the Browns to cultivate his athleticism into a more consistent product to find a long-term pairing for Garrett.

If nothing else, it’s hard to argue with the addition of a high-ceiling athlete at a valuable position at the turn of the top 100.