The Cleveland Browns have been one of the true struggling franchises in the NFL. They haven’t captured a division crown since 1991 and are one of only four teams that have never been to a Super Bowl. Every offseason, the Browns and their fans have hope, and it seems that every year, things go wrong.
When we started on this three-round mock draft for the Browns, we had to look at it with an eye on building a team that can eventually compete in the AFC, and didn’t look at quarterback as the Browns drafted two of them in the 2025 NFL draft. We aren’t sure either is a franchise quarterback, but the team seems committed to seeing what they have in the short term. So, we used three of the four picks on offense, but took a chance at No. 1 overall.
First round – S Caleb Downs – Ohio State
The Browns spent more than a decade playing four games a year against the combo of Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed so they understand the impact a truly elite safety can have. A safety has never gone No. 1 overall, and that might continue, but no one should be shocked if a player of Downs’ caliber ends up there.
First round – WR Jordyn Tyson – Arizona State
The best route runner in the draft and a complete receiver who can take over a game. The Browns have cobbled together a very average group of receivers this season and can’t expect to compete with this combination of talent.
Second round – DE LT Overton – Alabama
A defense line Cleveland’s can never have enough big bodies up front who can rush the passer and stuff the run and Overton is a budding star.
Third round – WR Eric Singleton Jr. – Auburn
We go back to wide receiver here because Singleton is just such an explosive playmaker and a perfect player to pair up with Tyson no matter who is the starting quarterback.