Cleveland Browns Replace Deshaun Watson and Retool Offensive in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Cleveland Browns' Deshaun Watson experiment has failed, and the team needs to move on. The Browns can retool in April's draft and find their new franchise quarterback.

The Cleveland Browns offense has been an absolute mess in 2024 and has shown no signs of improvement. The blockbuster trade to try and solve the quarterback position with Deshaun Watson has failed, and the team must move on. It's not often that a talented quarterback becomes available in free agency or via trade, so Cleveland's best chance to find their guy is in next April's draft.

This year's quarterback class isn't as talented as some we have seen in recent years with many guys needing some time to develop. But that doesn't mean there isn't talent in this class because there is plenty of that, and if Cleveland were to re-sign a guy like Jameis Winston and give a rookie time to develop, they could find their long-term future at quarterback.

Cleveland's offensive line has been a mess, and they will need to rebuild it this year, especially on the left side. The veteran Joel Bitonio seems to be at the end of his career and has looked terrible as a pass protector this year. Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has been a disappointment after being drafted 10th overall and likely won't be back with the Browns after 2024, meaning they will need to draft multiple linemen for the future.

For this mock draft I used the simulator NFL Mock Draft Database, they compare and combine several different big boards to create a consensus big board for a more accurate simulation.

Round 1, Pick 4: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

After transferring from Washington State, where he was a multi-year starter, Cam Ward stepped up his game with the Miami Hurricanes. Through the season's first six games, Ward has completed 69.2% of his passes for 2,219 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. Ward has added 161 yards rushing and three more touchdowns. This past week against California, Ward and the Hurricanes trailed by 25 points in the third quarter before he brought his team back for a thrilling win, throwing for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, one of which was on the ground.

Ward has exceptional arm talent, showcasing impressive accuracy even on challenging throws. He has the strength and precision to connect at all three levels of the field. However, his confidence in his abilities occasionally leads to problems, especially when he attempts risky passes into double or triple coverage. He embodies the spirit of a gunslinger, sometimes getting into trouble by believing he can make any throw due to his strong arm.

Ward will need to improve his footwork at the next level, which is coachable and could lead to him needing some time to develop. While he has gotten much better in the pocket and is under pressure this season, he still has room to grow at the next level. If a team can fix his footwork issues and pocket presence, he has the talent to be an elite quarterback at the next level.

Round 2, Pick 36: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Last season, Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons was adjusting to life on the left side after playing right tackle for San Diego State. He looks much more comfortable this year and has been fantastic as a pass protector, allowing just one quarterback pressure in 148 pass-blocking snaps for the Buckeyes through the first five games. Simmons has the ideal size and length to play the position and has made strides as a run blocker after struggling to be consistent in that area in 2023.

Simmons is a great athlete at the position. If he can work on his technical refinement and add some strength at the next level, he will be able to lock down the left side of an offensive line. Simmons's hand placement as a pass blocker is great, but inconsistent as a run blocker, and he needs to play with better leverage to move people in the run game. He moves well laterally and climbs to the second level quickly. The skill set to be a good run blocker is there, and he has already shown improvement in 2024. If he continues to improve, it wouldn't shock me if he goes higher in the draft.

Round 3, Pick 66: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Omarion Hampton from North Carolina is a versatile player who excels as both a runner and a pass catcher out of the backfield. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 220 pounds, he is a powerful runner with impressive size. Hampton displays outstanding contact balance; if defenders fail to wrap him up, he quickly bounces off them and gains extra yards after contact.

Through the season's first six games, Hampton has 764 yards rushing, averaging 5.6 yards per rush with seven rushing touchdowns. He also has 123 yards receiving and is more than capable as a pass catcher.

Hampton is an explosive accelerator. Once he spots a rushing lane, he reaches his top speed rapidly and efficiently. However, he can be inconsistent with his body control, occasionally tripping over his own feet in the open field while trying to evade defenders. Improving this aspect will be necessary for his development moving forward.

Round 4, Pick 102: Clay Webb, OG, Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State left guard Clay Webb is a very experienced three-year starter on the offensive line. Over the last three seasons combined, Webb has allowed only two sacks and five quarterback pressures total. With great hand usage and technical refinement, Webb is a better pass protector than a run blocker. At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Webb is a big and powerful run blocker who can move people when he plays with proper leverage, though he struggles to do so consistently. Webb played for a smaller school, so the jump in the competition will take some time, but with his experience and technical refinement, he is worth a day three flyer.

Cleveland Browns Replace Deshaun Watson and Retool Offensive in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 4: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

Round 2, Pick 36: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Round 3, Pick 66: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Round 4, Pick 102: Clay Webb, OG, Jacksonville State

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