Cleveland, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have made waves during the ongoing 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing their unpredictable nature. After trading out of the No. 2 overall pick the previous night and acquiring a future first-round selection from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team focused on addressing its offensive deficiencies during the second round.
Starting off by selecting linebacker Carson Schwesinger at No. 33 overall, the Browns then moved to fortify their offensive lineup by drafting running back Quinshon Judkins at No. 36, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. at No. 67, and quarterback Dillon Gabriel at No. 94. Despite a tumultuous 3-14 season that left the team last in scoring, the choice of a linebacker at such an early position raised eyebrows among analysts, especially when considering the franchise’s pressing need for offensive players.
Matthew Berry, the Browns’ general manager, emphasized that their decision to pick Schwesinger was rooted in a belief in his potential. However, the choice also appears to be an admission regarding linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who suffered a serious neck injury last season, leaving his future uncertain. This context gives additional weight to the Browns’ opening selection of a defensive player.
As the team strategizes for the upcoming season, the offensive blueprint under head coach Kevin Stefanski seems focused yet cautious. With the intent of establishing a power-run game intertwined with innovative tight end usage, the selection of Judkins aligns with this vision. The running back, known for his strong physicality and ability to thrive in wide-zone schemes, is expected to play a significant role as a rookie.
Fannin, while still developing at just 20 years old, has immense potential. He excelled in college, setting FBS records for receptions and yardage by a tight end last season. Despite the talent of their draft picks, the team’s decision to conclude the second round with Gabriel, particularly amid a need for improvement along the offensive line and at wide receiver, left many questioning the overall draft strategy.
Gabriel, who once starred at UCF and had stints at Oklahoma and Oregon, brings experience as he joins a quarterback room that already includes 40-year-old Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. While the Browns have acknowledged the potential of Gabriel, many remain skeptical about the team’s ability to elevate its quarterback situation, especially after the struggles posed by the Deshaun Watson arrangement.
With a draft class characterized by youthful athleticism, the Browns find themselves at a crucial juncture. Their future strategy appears aligned with the desire to nurture talent, but they also face immediate needs that cannot be overlooked. For the moment, the team must navigate a quarterback landscape that seems uncertain, with no guaranteed solutions on the horizon.
As offseason workouts commence, questions about the team’s offensive plans linger. The Browns’ attempt to adopt a long-term outlook is understandable, but skepticism grows as fans and analysts alike search for reassurance about the direction of the franchise’s offense. The upcoming summer will bring competitive tension for the starting quarterback position, and clarity remains elusive.