If the Cleveland Browns are going to make up ground in the AFC North, it will start in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have far and away the most draft capital in the division, a head start in what could be a franchise-defining offseason.
But that opportunity comes with the condition that edge rusher Myles Garrett stays in Cleveland. He publicly requested a trade to a Super Bowl contender.
The front office has thus far refused to grant him his wish, and it’s hard to blame high-level decision-makers for choosing their jobs over Garrett’s legacy. It remains very possible that he’s played his last down with the Browns, forcing them to reckon with their competitive window.
Thus, Cleveland could choose to ignore the quarterback position come April. Without falling head-over-heels for a passer, a blue-chip prospect elsewhere makes more sense. The best part about a rookie quarterback is the rookie contract and the roster-building advantages it provides. If the rebuild is going to eat into that timeline, is it really worth rolling the dice?
The Browns answer that question by picking Garrett’s replacement in this AFC North mock draft.
The following mock draft was made using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 2, Cleveland Browns: Penn State Edge Rusher Abdul Carter
It’s a really good year to need an edge rusher, and Cleveland gets its pick of the litter with Carter. He’ll draw comparisons to former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons, and while it’s a lofty projection, it’s emblematic of the upside his profile generates.
He’s explosive, bendy, refined, and productive, emerging as the class’ safest bet to produce double-digit sacks. Tasked with filling Garrett’s (unfillable) shoes, Browns fans can take solace in knowing they aren’t for a position of need – he’s worthy of being the top pick in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 17, Cincinnati Bengals: Texas A&M Edge Rusher Shemar Stewart
Stewart has a chance to propel himself out of the middle of Round 1 with a strong Combine. As things stand, he’s one of the most freakish athletes in the class, bending elite burst and flexibility into a 6-foot-6, 280-pound frame. That alone might get him drafted in Round 1, even with little college production to his name.
Cincinnati badly needs help on defense, and pairing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson with a proven run-stopper with pass-rushing upside is an enticing proposal. He’s a force against tackles in the run game but can moonlight as a defensive tackle on passing downs to take advantage of guards and get more edge rushers on the field at one time.
Round 1, Pick 21, Pittsburgh Steelers: Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka
Pittsburgh has long been looking for a star complement to receiver George Pickens. The trade market ran dry in the summer, but Egbuka could emerge as a real option in the spring.
Sticking to the slot, Egbuka is a quarterback-friendly target who’s at his best separating underneath and moving the chains. His targets might be less valuable than Pickens’, but the Steelers were merely average on third down. Taking fewer shots downfield in this situation and opting for Egbuka’s reliable hands and strong after-the-catch skills should lead to a higher success rate.
Egbuka would also help the offense expand its quick game on early downs, perhaps transitioning to a post-Russell Wilson world.
Round 1, Pick 27, Baltimore Ravens: Alabama Linebacker Jihaad Campbell
It seems like the best teams find quality talent every year, regardless of draft capital. The Philadelphia Eagles won a Super Bowl off of that ability, and the Ravens are trying to do the same. Adding Campbell to the league’s best linebacker-developing infrastructure could unleash a tornado on opposing offenses.
Campbell has the twitchiness and long speed to cover running backs, tight ends, and the occasional slot receiver. He has the pass-rushing chops to moonlight as an edge rusher, too. And armed with linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton, Campbell’s upside could take Baltimore over the top.
