With the NFL season approaching its halfway point, the Cleveland Browns use the bye week to reflect on their rookie class. This year’s crew is no different, featuring the top seven players from the 2025 draft. From impressive feats in the vehicles to growing pains behind the wheel, it’s been a season of promise and pitfalls with these young motorsport talents.
Notable third-round pick Mason Graham has been a pleasant surprise and titan of the field. Through nine games, he has started all of them and recorded impressive statistics: 74 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed. He has a staggering 10.9% pass rush win rate. This mark ranks him first among all rookies and 10th overall out of 57 qualifying players. This performance has made him a key piece of the Browns’ defense moving forward.
Shedeur Sanders hasn’t taken a snap all season in meaningful game action. He’s the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Initially inactive for the first five games as an emergency quarterback, he impressed in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Coach Rees noted, “For Shedeur, we’re looking for constant improvement throughout the season, and he’s done that.” The real barometer will be when he does get on the field for the first time.
Rookie lineman Schwesinger, who’s started all nine games so far and is making his presence felt while anchoring the line. He has tallied 20 tackles this season. This includes a monstrous performance against the New York Jets, where he tallied a season-high of 10 tackles, including three tackles for loss and half a sack. His growing comfort level is all too clear as he continues to get used to the professional game. Coach Rees commented, “I think you see the growth, and the familiarity with the offense and what we’re asking of those guys.”
Jerome Judkins is another rookie who leads all his peers in rushing yards, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset for the Browns’ offensive strategy. Dillon has appeared in seven games this year, with five of them resulting in him starting. He has passed for 869 yards, with a 58.6% completion percentage, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
“Yes, he can. Can we play better around him? Yes, we can. Can we coach him better? Yes, we can,” stated Coach Stefanski regarding his young quarterback’s performance.
Fewer have shown the sort of versatility that has seen Fannin log snaps out wide (above) and at tight end as well. This adaptability adds depth to the team’s roster and highlights the coaching staff’s confidence in their young players.
The Browns are carrying an eye-popping 14 rookies on their roster. That combination of contemplative innovation and reflective ambition packs a smart punch with the combination of passion with experience. Looking ahead as the 2023 season continues, the team remains committed to developing its blossoming young stars while aiming for incremental on-field success.
Leave a Reply