The 2024 NFL season is almost upon and, hopefully, this is the last time Cleveland Browns fans will really think about the 2025 NFL draft until after the Super Bowl is over and the orange and brown are champions. Throughout the college football season, we will still do our best to give you insights into draft-worthy prospects but, as soon as the initial 53-man roster is set, it is all about the 2024 NFL season.
Earlier we provided you insight into the Browns 2025 NFL draft pick list. Currently, GM Andrew Berry will have eight selections to work with but that could easily become 11. A conditional pick from the Cade York trade and two expected compensatory picks would add three picks in the final round.
For now, we used Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator to give you a glimpse at what Cleveland’s draft class would look like with just the eight picks that are certain:
OT Emery Jones, LSU
With Jedrick Wills headed toward free agency and Jack Conklin’s injury history, using the team’s first-round pick on an offensive tackle makes a lot of sense. They just don’t grow on trees, even if Dawand Jones looks like a steal in the fourth round, so getting a top-flight one here makes sense.
WR Will Sheppard, Colorado
With Amari Cooper heading to free agency, adding another outside receiver that could develop into a true number one makes sense. Sheppard is 6’3” and almost 200 pounds. After playing at Vanderbilt, a transfer to Colorado could lead to a huge bump in stats and national recognition.
DE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
With Za’Darius Smith aging, adding more youth to the defensive end room will be key for Cleveland moving forward. Anything they can do to support Myles Garrett will be a positive on the defensive line.
CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin
The Browns are in an interesting position with Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson set for free agency after the 2025 NFL season. It is unlikely Berry can keep them both, along with Denzel Ward, and the GM regularly drafts corners. Hallman has the flexibility to play inside and out with an aggressive tendency that fits Jim Schwartz perfectly.
TE Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh
The search for a second tight end continues with the soft-handed Bartholomew. With the more spread-out offense expected in 2024, a pass catcher makes sense with upside at this point.
RB Jo’Quavious Marks, USC
Transferring from Mississippi State, Marks has some upside as a pass catcher with good agility. He needs to hone a lot of details of the position but he could be on the rise as the year goes on.
LB Power Echols, North Carolina
Who doesn’t love a linebacker with the first name “Power.” Besides Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the Browns don’t know what they have for certain at linebacker so adding to the pile will continue to make sense. Plus, “Power”!
DT Thor Griffith, Louisville
If “Power” grabbed out attention then “Thor” had to be next. Reuniting Gillotte and Griffith is fun. While Cleveland is very deep at defensive tackle this year, Quinton Jefferson and Maurice Hurst are on one-year deals, Shelby Harris is getting older (and his contract runs out after 2025) and Dalvin Tomlinson is likely to start slowing down. Depth on the lines are always vital.
We are not simulating the three picks the Browns are likely to get in this round but wanted to note the likelihood of them here.
Share your thoughts on our 2025 Browns mock draft in the comment section below. To help, here is a picture of the entire thing in one place:
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