As players cleaned out their lockers, WR Cedric Tillman stood in front of his own, reviewing what had been an inconsistent year for the Browns’ offense.
While the defense allowed the fourth-fewest total yards per game and the third-fewest passing yards per game in the NFL. Meanwhile, the offense ranked in the bottom six in the league in passing, rushing and total yards per game, as well as points per game. The disconnect between the two units left little margin for error and played a factor in Cleveland’s losses throughout the season. The Browns ended the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
“Just wasn’t consistent enough this year as an offense, and we just have to improve on that,” Tillman said. “Obviously, we didn’t have the production that we wanted to, but it’s the NFL. We had a lot of close games this year, so we have to become a more consistent offense.”
One factor that can help Cleveland become a more consistent offense is the continued development of the rookies on the roster, many of whom contributed heavily throughout the 2025 season.
Of the Browns’ 4,456 total yards this season, 83.7 percent were accounted for by rookies. Quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel registered 83.2 percent of Cleveland’s 2,807 passing yards. Eight different rookies, including running backs Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson and Sanders made up 84.5 percent of the Browns’ 1,649 rushing yards.
The Browns became the second team in Super Bowl history to have rookies lead in passing, rushing and receiving yards, according to the Associated Press. Sanders led the Browns with 1,400 passing yards, Judkins recorded 827 rushing yards and TE Harold Fannin Jr. notched 731 receiving yards.
“I think what’s important to understand about our rookies though – and you all see them, you all know them – they’re not only really good players, but they’re also really good people,” Browns Managing and Principal Partner Jimmy Haslam said. “They will be the cornerstone with which we’ll build and grow and develop this winning team.”