We think the Cleveland Browns are in a desperate situation. They now hold the second overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. With ten picks total, smartly the team is looking at all kinds of different ways to use their picks to maximize their value. General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski face the challenge of building a competitive roster while addressing critical needs, particularly in the quarterback and edge defender positions.
Even as the prospect of free agency looms, and draft possibilities emerge, it’s hard to know what the Cleveland Browns will do with the No. 2 pick. This decision comes as the team navigates a crowded defensive line room, adding two edge defenders this offseason: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Julian Okwara. End Myles Garrett continues to be a rock on the defense and an All-Pro caliber DE. The front office’s dream scenario would be to land him alongside another game-breaking pass rusher.
Assessing Quarterback Options
The Browns have put themselves in a real pickle with their quarterback depth chart. Deshaun Watson would be expected miss at least half of 2025 season with a torn Achilles. To address this ambiguity, the team traded up with the Philadelphia Eagles to select Kenny Pickett at No. They alleviated that concern partly by signing veteran Joe Flacco as a free agent. Writing off the chance to finally draft a franchise quarterback isn’t off the table either.
Getting the most attention of all those potential picks are Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Hunter, a two-way player as well, lines up at wide receiver and defensive back. The Browns need to consider the upside of these young players vs their impact on the current roster.
“Obviously if you’re taking a guy there, you believe in him to be a guy that can be your franchise quarterback, but we’re just looking for a good player that fits us,” – Kevin Stefanski
Berry’s been careful not to tip his hand about the need to make a thoughtful decision regarding the No. 2 pick.
This optimism speaks to the team’s desire for a better past practice of long-term investment instead of a rushed pick. Berry repeated the mantra that it’s key to construct a roster abundant with players capable of developing at their own pace.
“We have not made hard decisions in terms of how we’re going to utilize the No. 2 pick. There’s a number of guys we like,” – Andrew Berry
The edge rusher position is a big focus area for the Browns as they head into the draft. With Myles Garrett firmly established as the defensive centerpiece, adding more firepower is key to making their ferocious front even more dangerous. Their recent acquisitions of Tryon-Shoyinka and Okwara signal a clear intent to bolster this unit. Almost all analysts agree that the team is still in need of looking for more depth.
“The biggest thing for us is we want to have long-term players across the roster,” – Andrew Berry
Strengthening the Defense
Abdul Carter, a dominant edge rusher from Penn State, has become one of the most popular prospects in this year’s draft. His combination of physicality and athleticism has made him a popular target among teams, including the Browns.
Carter and Garrett would make for a fantastic defensive pairing. This duo would be a force to recklessly pressure opposing QBs, an aspect the team has sorely missed since the 2017 campaign.
“He’s tough, physical, a rare athlete with outstanding speed,” – Andrew Berry
Highsmith wouldn’t stop bringing in talent either, that’s the goal after all. Beyond that, they’ve made it a point to ensure that every player meshes perfectly with their system.
While speculation continues about possible trades involving their high draft pick, the Browns have remained steadfast in their position regarding the No. 2 overall pick. They haven’t sought out trade deals but will negotiate them if the deal makes sense and offers clear value.
“We’re not going to necessarily force something if we don’t think the value is right or anything along those lines,” – Andrew Berry
Owner Jimmy Haslam has been pretty clear that they’re looking to get difference makers rather than get warm bodies to fill the roster.
Navigating Trade Rumors and Future Prospects
Berry and Stefanski have the difficult job of prioritizing their present needs with their future vision. The clock is ticking and with it, the pressure’s on to make strategic choices that will ensure both immediate and long term success.
Owner Jimmy Haslam has expressed that the goal is to secure impactful players rather than simply filling roster spots.
“It would be great if we could get ‘the quarterback,’ but we’re not going to force it. We’re going to be patient and we’re going to try to accumulate as many real good football players as we can,” – Jimmy Haslam
As the draft approaches, Berry and Stefanski are tasked with balancing immediate needs against long-term vision. The pressure is on to make strategic choices that will solidify both current and future success.
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