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[Cleveland Browns]

Browns rumors: Team willing to get aggressive, greedy in NFL draft to fill holes

Michael Ciaglo-Imagn Images

After Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders Pro Day, Browns NFL draft rumors have picked up steam

Well, the cat is out of the bag, seemingly, with what the Tennessee Titans are going to do with the first overall pick, which puts the Cleveland Browns on the clock. All eyes were on Colorado’s Pro Day, with QB Shedeur Sanders and WR/CB Travis Hunter taking center stage.

As noted in our rumor piece over a week ago, Hunter seems to be the front-runner for the Browns with the second overall pick, which would leave them still searching for a quarterback to help solve their offensive problems.

Cleveland has a big decision to make regarding Sanders, even if he isn’t a better prospect than Baker Mayfield was coming out of college.

Reaching out to multiple sources following the Colorado Pro Day, there was a growing sense that Sanders could fall with only a couple of teams potentially taking him:

• #9 - New Orleans Saints
• #21 - Pittsburgh Steelers

Most believe that the Saints could pull the trigger but may have Jaxson Dart graded higher than Sanders. While the Steelers could make a decision to draft Deion Sanders’ son, the likely addition of Aaron Rodgers could see them go in a different direction.

According to a source close to the Browns, “They’d like them both,” when asked about the team’s impression of Hunter and Sanders upon their departure from Colorado.

That impression seems to have caught on with others:

.@AkronJackson: I think there's a scenario where the #Browns could draft Travis Hunter, trade back up to get Shedeur Sanders https://t.co/BRagnbl1tF

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 5, 2025​

Cleveland GM Andrew Berry even, seemingly, joked about the possibility:

“I’d say probably I leave here with, can I have both of them?” Berry told cleveland.com with a laugh. “We’ll take the whole process into mind. They’re both fantastic players, and we have the next several weeks to sort out all of the different scenarios. But today was a positive touchpoint, really, for both players.”

The NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein had a similar idea, except he had DE Abdul Carter selected early instead of Hunter, in his most recent mock draft.

The Hunter/Sanders pairing continued to pick up steam Sunday:

"That theory about landing both of the Colorado Buffaloes is just a little far-fetched...because they've not a first-round pick for three years now, kinda feel like they really want to make a splash"@RuiterWrongFAN & @NickPedone12 on #Browns

Listen: https://t.co/1TDETdrQZD pic.twitter.com/naYlhjBVyp

— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) April 6, 2025​

Brad Stainbrook of The OBR, who could have squashed the momentum after checking with sources, also noted the possibility:

If the #Browns take Travis Hunter at 2 and Shedeur Sanders starts to slide, I think things could get pretty interesting for Andrew Berry and Cleveland on draft night.

— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) April 6, 2025​

At one point, it was assumed that Sanders would be selected no later than the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Jets with the sixth and seventh picks. Now, it seems that the Saints or a team trading up is the only thing keeping Sanders from falling out of the top 20 selections.

For the Browns, a trade up with the Minnesota Vikings, who hold the 24th pick, makes the most sense and would not cost the team their 2026 first-rounder. There are a few other teams that might be looking to move down if the price is right.

For now, Cleveland seems to be set on drafting Hunter and waiting it out to see if a move up for Sanders will materialize. The front office and coaching staff will have extra variables to weigh with the idea of bringing the teammates in together (do they push each other to get better or make each other too comfortable? For example), including that a move for Sanders will likely take them out of the running for veteran QB Kirk Cousins.

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Do you think the Browns want to reunite Hunter and Sanders? How far up do you think they should be willing to move up to make it happen?

Join the conversation in the comment section below. If you’ve never signed up for an account with us, which you will need to comment, you can do so here then come back and chat Browns NFL draft plans.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...nfl-draft-travis-hunter-shedeur-sanders-trade

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL draft: 5 trade-up targets for the Browns late in the 1st round

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Cleveland could package pick No.33 and others to acquire an additional 1st round pick on draft night

The Cleveland Browns currently have the No.2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there’s a chance that they could end up with more than one first-round selection on draft night.

Depending on how the first half of the draft plays out, quite a few players could fall to the end of the first round and who Cleveland might be interested in due to multiple factors.

Five of the most realistic trade-up targets for Cleveland are:

QB Shedeur Sanders - Colorado​

Despite what some are hearing about Sanders being a top-10 lock, there’s a growing sense that if the Browns decide not to select him at No.2, he could fall until the early to mid-20’s in Round 1.

If this is the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Browns package pick No.33 and others to move up in front of the Steelers (No.21) to steal Sanders the moment that Denver gets on the clock at pick 20.

Shedeur Sanders makes one of the toughest throws in football — opposite hash, on time, and in stride

This is arm strength, timing, and confidence all in one rep. Big-time ball placement from the far side.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/U0hIXVb9Kt

— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) April 4, 2025​

OT Joshua Simmons - Ohio State​

Simmons is undoubtedly one of the top offensive tackles in the class, but there seems to be some concerns about his injury status and overall attitude.

Even with the report of being “way ahead of schedule” regarding his patellar tendon injury that he suffered in October 2024, teams might begin to pass on him for players who are assuredly 100% healthy. There’s also been a rumor started by an anonymous scout that he’s somewhat of a diva and trashed his overall attitude.

It’s unclear whether or not it’s a legitimate concern amongst the majority of the NFL landscape, but it’s noteworthy to mention. Regardless of this, Cleveland could see Simmons as their left tackle of the future once if begins to fall.

#OhioState OT Josh Simmons. 6’5, 311.

Excellent fluidity. Natural athlete. Great punch timing + hand placement. Plus in the 2nd level/screen game. ++ Stunt recognition.

Top-25 player imo. pic.twitter.com/TQXe8NHchD

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) February 5, 2025​

WR Luther Burden III - Missouri​

Burden is one of the most electric skill players in the 2025 wide receiver class, but some teams worry about his usage at the NFL level and have reportedly begun to drop them on their big boards, which is why he was also a part of our five options at pick 33.

There have been rumblings of him being a slot-only type of player at the next level, despite numerous examples on film that prove otherwise. Even if he is somewhat of an alignment-restricted player at the pro level, he would still be incredibly dangerous in Cleveland’s offense due to his explosive ability to create yards after the catch.

Luther Burden is an electric WR talent who seems to be "sliding" down Draft boards. Tough to imagine he will still be available in the late 20's, since his YAC ability/catch radius are reminiscent of so many high-level WRs in the NFL.#Missouri #mizzoufootball #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/YbxF3iNMCS

— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) March 21, 2025​

S Malaki Starks - Georgia​

Starks was the top-ranked safety in the class at one point but has begun to fall on some boards due to the emergence of South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori in the pre-draft process and Texas’ Jahdae Barron’s perceived ability to play free safety in the NFL.

Starks is a true, open-field free safety who has displayed NFL-level instincts and play recognition since he was a sophomore at Georgia. Based on Cleveland’s shortcomings in the free-agent market at safety (John Johnson III and Juan Thornhill), they could be tempted to jump on the opportunity to move up for somebody like Starks in the mid-20s.

Oh my goodness. This is why Malaki Starks is a blue chip prospect pic.twitter.com/NqkR9qS3G9

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 31, 2024​

WR Emeka Egbuka - Ohio State​

Egbuka is arguably the best overall route-runner in this year’s draft class and has the potential to play every receiver position at the next level.

He’d be an excellent slot weapon because he’s more athletic and twitchy than anyone who’d be covering him, and he might be even more dangerous on the outside due to his ability to consistently create separation in 1-on-1 matchups.

#OhioState WR Emeka Egbuka. 6’1 205.

Tough. Reliable. Shifty. Detailed. Selfless. Strong hands.

WR2. pic.twitter.com/vmLCaedLvU

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) March 5, 2025​

If the Browns can bring in an Amon-Ra St.Brown type of player at the end of round 1 and lock him into a 5th-year option, then it might be a no-brainer for them.

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Which of these players would you want Cleveland to trade up for the most? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...-shedeur-sanders-luther-burden-joshua-simmons

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns stadium drama nearing farcical stage

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

State senator plans bill that would require teams to be winners to get state funding.

The Cleveland Browns' quest to leave downtown for a domed stadium and entertainment complex in the Cuyahoga County suburb of Brook Park has been an ongoing drama from the moment the team made its desires public.

There has been ongoing back-and-forth over whether or not the team should renovate Huntington Bank Field, its home since 1999, which is the preference of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.

There are dueling lawsuits over the legality of the so-called Modell Law, which seeks to put restrictions on a professional team leaving town, with the Browns contending that moving 13.5 miles away and remaining in the same county is not what the legislation had in mind.

There has also been the small detail of just where the public portion of the $2.4 billion public-private stadium project will be funded. The state will be kicking in $600 million, with Gov. Mike DeWine advocating for an increased tax on the companies that operate sports betting apps to help fund a pool of money, while some in the state legislature prefer good old-fashioned bonds to cover the amount. Cuyahoga County and other local jurisdictions will foot the other $600 million.

On Monday, the situation started to evolve from a drama to a baggy-pants farce thanks to Senator Bill DeMora of Columbus.

DeMora announced plans to introduce what he is labeling the “Public Access to Professional Sports Act,” which would ban Ohio’s professional sports team from receiving public money unless the team achieves at least a .500 record in three of the five seasons prior to receiving funding.

In addition, the bill would require teams to repay all the money they received if they leave the city they are playing in.

Given that the Browns have posted 22 losing seasons since 1999 and are looking to leave Cleveland, you can see how this could be a sticking point.

While DeMora admitted he does not believe his bill will gain any traction, he believes it is time that someone spoke up about how public funds are used in the state, as he told NBC 4 in Columbus:

“They always say that these sports teams provide the public benefits and help local communities and all this stuff. Well, it doesn’t when you stink, okay? When the Browns stink, they’re not helping anybody.

“We have lots of issues in the state of Ohio right now, from public education to the Medicaid cuts, they want to cut libraries, they want to cut support to higher education. They do all these things and then want to give $600 million to a professional football team that stinks? That’s ridiculous. Something needs to be done.”

While this may be more of a publicity stunt than anything else to highlight the larger issues going on across the state, the idea of tying funding to the team’s actions could have some merit.

There are too many variables to penalize a team for having a down year or two in a five-year period. But continuing to do dubious things? Well, that is a different topic.

For example:

• Running out of a meeting because you heard Eric Mangini had been fired by the New York Jets and you are afraid of losing out on him as your next head coach?
• Passing on hiring Andy Reid as head coach because you were already wining and dining Rob Chudzinski?
• Drafting Johnny Manziel?
• Trading for Odell Beckham Jr.?

It would be hard to argue that those moves would not have merited some kind of financial hit, even though Browns - and by extension the fans - already suffered from the on-field results from those and other dubious actions over the years.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...d-browns-stadium-drama-nearing-farcical-stage

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL Draft: Updated official 30 visits the Browns have conducted

Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

History shows that some players the Browns bring in for pre-draft visits will end up with the team, but it doesn’t mean they are interested in drafting them all

The NFL released the dates for all of the teams’ off-season workouts as the Cleveland Browns traveled to Colorado to spend more time up close and personal with Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders at their pro day in Boulder. Hunter has gained steam over the last few days as the potential pick at number two overall, as injury concerns have seeped into the conversation about Abdul Carter.

All three players have already met with the Browns on “official 30” visits in the lead-up to the draft, which is less than three weeks away. These meetings are an opportunity to gather more information on players that you either have a heavy interest in or players you have additional questions about.

Every team gets to use thirty of these visits during the draft cycle, and most fans assume that if their favorite team uses one on a player, then they are interested in trying to draft them. It’s not that simple in today’s world, however.

Teams will now use some of these visits to bring in players they have no intention of drafting as part of the smoke-screen games that are played. During Andrew Berry’s tenure as GM, he has drafted a total of eleven players for whom the team conducted an official pre-draft visit, according to my notes over the past five drafts.

Let’s examine which players have reportedly been brought in by Cleveland for a pre-draft visit. Those players so far are:

• QB Shedeur Sanders
• WR Travis Hunter
• DE Abdul Carter
• QB Cam Ward
• QB Tyler Shough
• OT Will Campbell
• TE Harrold Fannin Jr.
• WR Tez Johnson
• WR Isaiah Bond
• LB Nick Martin
• DT Deone Walker
• RB Quinshon Judkins
• DE Nic Scourton
• DT Mason Graham
• TE Elijah Arroyo
• TE Mason Taylor
• DT Derrick Harmon
• LB Jalon Walker

This now puts the reported total to eighteen of the available thirty visits. We will keep you posted with updates as we get them.

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How many of these players do you think will ultimately become Browns during the draft? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...d-browns-nfl-draft-30-visits-reported-rumored

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL draft: Browns add another QB predraft visit on Tuesday

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

The Browns search for a quarterback adds to list of Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders with Jaxson Dart’s predraft visit

As we noted covering the Pittsburgh Steelers having QB Shedeur Sanders in for a predraft visit (which also included a note on their interest in Aaron Rodgers), it is hard to know the motive behind NFL draft-related news at this point in the process. The Cleveland Browns have already had visits with QB Cam Ward and Sanders, as well as DE Abdul Carter and WR/CB Travis Hunter.

Those four players were expected to be the primary focus for the Browns with the second overall pick, but then they brought in two interesting defenders early this week as well. QB Tyler Shough was also brought in for an official 30 visit before the draft.

Add QB Jaxson Dart’s name to the list now, as Cleveland reportedly had him in their building on Tuesday:

Sources: Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart visited today with the Cleveland Browns, and will next fly to Las Vegas to visit the Raiders, sources tell me and @FieldYates.

Dart also has spent “considerable time” during this interview process with the Giants, Saints and Rams. pic.twitter.com/M6rY1SLGkl

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 8, 2025

A photo of Dart at the Cleveland airport circulated on social media prior to the above report:

From @HoldMyBev Jaxson Dart is apparently in Cleveland right now pic.twitter.com/22DLDwU5VH

— Alex Hale (@TheCLESportsGuy) April 8, 2025​

Coming out of the Senior Bowl, there was a lot of hype regarding Dart, but some concerns were also noted by sources in the league. At a base level, Dart profiles as a quarterback who “can be a solid NFL starter because he is decisive and can read coverages.”

Cleveland has done their fair share of work on this year’s quarterback class, including with Dart:

Kevin Stefanski went and saw Dart throw in person at Ole Miss as well already. The Browns very well could go Carter or Hunter with #2 overall and grab their QB at the top of the second or by trading into the backend of the first. They're doing their work. https://t.co/bDO9gyw8Rv

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 8, 2025​

There have been rumblings that some teams, including the New Orleans Saints and Steelers, might be higher on Dart than Sanders, but, as noted at the beginning, it is hard to know what is real at this point in time.

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How do you feel about the idea of Browns drafting Dart after adding Hunter or Carter with the second pick?

Share your Dart thoughts in the comment section below

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/4/8/24404233/nfl-draft-browns-jaxson-dart-rumors-30-visit

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Fixing a major roster hole in the PFN Writer’s Mock Draft

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The chance to fix the quarterback position was too tempting to pass up, so Shedeur Sanders is the pick for the Browns.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry has 15 more days to deliberate over what may be the most important decision of his tenure with the team.

When the 2025 NFL Draft opens on the evening of April 24 in Green Bay, it will be up to Berry to determine the proper course to take with the No. 2 overall selection.

Related: Cleveland Browns 2025 NFL Draft Profiles

Assuming the Tennessee Titans will do what everyone expects by selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick, Berry will have to decide whether to add to the defense with Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, perhaps fill two positions with one pick in Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter, or take the latest shot at fixing the quarterback position.

The Browns have been keeping everyone guessing about their intentions by hosting a wide variety of players, including at least five quarterbacks, for pre-draft visits. So, while there may not be much drama from Tennessee, all eyes will be on Berry when the Browns are on the clock.

We asked 32 NFL content creators to come together and conduct a mock draft

Here are the results https://t.co/2m3keaPYO1

— PFSN (@PFN365) April 7, 2025​

The opportunity to play general manager for a day was too good to pass up, so I participated in Pro Football Network’s Team Writers’ Mock Draft, which featured a writer for each of the league’s 32 teams making a first-round selection for the team they cover.

After taking as much time on the clock as I could, and worried that there are too many teams searching for a quarterback, I turned in the card for Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, with the following justification:

The Cleveland Browns have numerous holes on the roster to fill, which makes it a good year to have the No. 2 overall selection. Penn State’s Abdul Carter would make a lethal bookend to Myles Garrett on the defensive line, and Colorado’s Travis Hunter is a fine addition to anyone’s receiving group or defensive backfield.

But until the Browns solve the biggest issue on the team — quarterback — not much of anything else will matter. That is why the pick for the Browns is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

While much of the pre-draft talking points have focused on tearing down Sanders’ game after the same people spent all last fall building him up, there is much to like once you gut through the noise. He is poised, accurate, and works around his limitations by anticipating the coverage or pressure and delivering an accurate ball. That ability to know his limitations is something that Sanders will need to work on at the pro level when everything speeds up, but he should have the drive to accomplish that.

Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to build the offense around a quarterback who plays within the system and is supported by an effective running game. So, once the Sanders pick is made, adding another running back from a deep draft pool to reinforce the run game and continuing to work to get the offensive line back to its former high level of play will be important.

There will be some criticism when the Browns pick Sanders, primarily from the same people who believe selecting him at No. 2 is “too high” but the Giants selecting him at No. 3 is the “perfect spot.” Cleveland needs to block out that noise because the quarterback position is simply too important not to find a solution.

PFN added the following to help support the selection:

The Browns have had their highest-ranked quarterbacks over the past two years finish as QB19 (Joe Flacco) and QB24 (Jameis Winston) in their respective seasons, according to PFSN’s QB+ metric, so taking another bite at the apple is a logical move.

Sanders’ accuracy is his calling card, and Cleveland is betting on that in a big way. Over the past two seasons, a team has finished a season with a sub-60% completion rate and an interception percentage north of 3% three times: 2023 Browns, 2024 Browns, 2024 Colts

Was Sanders the correct choice for the Browns? Who knows at this point, but there is a lot to like about his game.

Interestingly, Ward and Sanders were the only quarterbacks selected in the mock draft. If I had opted for Carter or Hunter, Ed Valentine from Big Blue View would have almost certainly selected Sanders for the New York Giants. But that means the Browns would have had their pick of the remaining quarterbacks in the second round, which would likely be a dream scenario for Berry if the actual draft played out that way.

Check out the full first-round mock draft at Pro Football Network and leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...nders-pro-football-network-writers-mock-draft

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Can the Browns find a draft day trade partner in a familiar face?

Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

If Cleveland wants to move back into the first round, Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might be the man to call.

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry will likely have three scenarios to consider when the Browns are on the clock with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

On Berry’s notepad will be the following bullet list:

• Scenario 1: Select the highest-rated quarterback on the draft board, presumably Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, and don’t look back.
• Scenario 2: Select either Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter or Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, and then hope there is a quarterback you like still available when you open the second round.
• Scenario 3: Select either Carter or Hunter, and then use some of your nine other draft picks, plus whatever else you can scrape together, to trade back into the first round to select a quarterback.

That last scenario has been discussed for some time now, and if Berry is considering it, he may find a willing trade partner in a former colleague.

Before becoming general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah spent two seasons working with Berry as vice president of football operations with the Browns.

The Vikings come into the draft with just four draft picks to their name, only one of which is in the first two rounds. And if another team comes calling with some additional draft capital in exchange for Minnesota’s first-round pick, which is No. 24 overall, Adofo-Mensah may be willing to listen.

That is according to Alec Lewis at The Athletic, who posits that since the Vikings were active in free agency, their list of roster holes to fill has shrunk enough that moving down in the draft.

Enter the Browns.

If there is a quarterback that the Browns are fond of, for example Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe or in the highly unlikely scenario that Sanders is still in the green room, then Berry can put together an offer that includes Cleveland’s second-round pick (No. 33 overall) and one of their third-rounders (No. 67 overall or No. 94 overall) to the Vikings and nab their quarterback along with the always helpful fifth-year option on a rookie contract.

Related: NFL Draft: 5 likely targets for Browns at pick 94

This would not be new territory for the Vikings, as in 2022, Adofo-Mensah swapped a pair of top-50 draft picks for a trio of top-70 picks. That did not work out so well for the Vikings, which means that Adofo-Mensah might be a bit more cautious this time around, but if there is a quarterback that Berry likes, he needs to do what he has to do to secure that player.

Lewis looked through the past five drafts to find that 11 teams have made trades involving a first-round selection in the 20s, and the return generally involved a third- or fourth-round pick. So, Berry might be able to sell Adofo-Mensah on picks Nos. 33 and 67 and call it a day.

This is all speculation, of course, but it will be worth watching how the first round of the draft unfolds. And when the Vikings are on the clock, Adofo-Mensah should not be surprised if the phone rings and he hears a familiar voice on the other end of the line.

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What do you think Browns fans? If there is a quarterback available that the Browns like, would you swap two picks to the Vikings to move up and select him?

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...wns-draft-day-trade-partner-minnesota-vikings

 

[Cleveland Browns]

2025 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Big Board: The Buckeyes interest is strong. Vote for spots 16-20

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

The 11-15 players are in for the Browns’ big board, and now you can vote for slots 16-20.

The 2025 Cleveland Browns’ DBN Big Board continued with spots 11-15, as 140 people cast a vote. The 11-15 slots for the Browns’ DBN Big Board are as follows:

11. OT Josh Simmons - 205 total points
12. CB Will Johnson - 184 total points
13. OT Kelvin Banks - 162 total points
14. WR Tetairoa McMillan - 152 total points
15. EDGE Jack Sawyer - 148 total points

A pair of Ohio State Buckeyes made an appearance here, both in the trenches but on opposite sides, with Josh Simmons at offensive tackle and Jack Sawyer on the edge. Kelvin Banks makes for another offensive tackle option, with the other two spots being cornerback Will Johnson and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. This was another unique vote in the sense that, by a decent margin, Simmons had the least support among remaining players to be the “top” player, but he had a bunch of second-place support. Those votes added up to still push him ahead of the others.

Remember that you are supposed to weigh a combination of talent, need, character, positional value, etc. for each player you vote for in relation to how they would fit with the Browns.

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Cumulative Big Board So Far​

1. EDGE Abdul Carter
2. QB Cam Ward
3. WR/CB Travis Hunter
4. DT Mason Graham
5. QB Shedeur Sanders
6. RB Ashton Jeanty
7. OT Will Campbell
8. OT Armand Membou
9. WR Emeka Egbuka
10. TE Tyler Warren
11. OT Josh Simmons
12. CB Will Johnson
13. OT Kelvin Banks
14. WR Tetairoa McMillan
15. EDGE Jack Sawyer

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Compiling the Big Board: 16-20 Slots​

Now it’s time to vote for the players who will be in the 16-20 slots on the Browns’ DBN Big Board. Remember that you are supposed to weigh a combination of talent, need, character, positional value, etc. for each player you vote for in relation to how they would fit with the Browns.

If there are any players you wanted to vote for but who were missing from the list, please let us know in the comments section so we can include them in the next round. Please vote only once.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...keyes-interest-is-strong-vote-for-spots-16-20

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Daily Dawg Chow 4/11: Browns news, is the #2 overall draft selection “inevitable”? More

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

More of the latest Browns news and notes from around the web in today’s dose of the Daily Dawg Chow.

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• 2025 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Big Board: The Buckeyes interest is strong. Vote for spots 16-20 (Chris Pokorny) The 11-15 players are in for the Browns’ big board, and now you can vote for slots 16-20.
• NFL Draft Profile: DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee (Matt Wilson) Analyzing Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott as a potential draft pick for Cleveland
• Calling all Browns fans: Nature or Nurture, how did you become a Dawg (Jared Mueller) Browns history is littered with a lot of good, bad and colorful but how did you join the Dawg Pound?
• Doug Farrar’s 7-round mock draft for the Browns move the team forward from the Deshaun Watson failure (Doug Farrar) The draft is really the Browns’ best hope of righting the ship.

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Cleveland Browns’ NFL Draft Decision is ‘Inevitable,’ Analyst Says (Sports Illustrated) “One analyst feels that the Cleveland Browns will inevitably choose this player with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.”
• Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski talks faith, family, and football at Barons Club Dinner (WRTF) “It was a special evening in Jefferson County, as Franciscan University of Steubenville held their 56th Annual Baron Club Awards Dinner.”
• Report: Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe visit with Cleveland Browns (MSN) “According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Cleveland Browns have hosted two SEC quarterbacks for top 30 visits.”
• Browns NFL draft picks 2025: Full list of Cleveland’s draft picks for every round (NBC Sports) “After winning 11 games and reaching the playoffs in 2023, the Browns collapsed in 2024, going 3-14 with Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe all starting games at quarterback.”
• Jalen Milroe vs. Shedeur Sanders (Youtube) Quincy Carrier compares

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...the-2-overall-draft-selection-inevitable-more

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL draft: Shedeur Sanders pushes back on ESPN’s report about his desired landing spots

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Browns rumors have quieted down around Shedeur Sanders but the QB could still go in the top 5

The Cleveland Browns didn’t land their quarterback of the future but did bring in a quarterback from their past on Friday. The return of QB Joe Flacco continues to lower the chances that the Browns will be selecting a quarterback high in the upcoming NFL draft. Most believe that Cleveland was planning to select WR/CB Travis Hunter before the Flacco signing.

With QB Cam Ward expected off the board with the first pick, where QB Shedeur Sanders lands will be a huge story. He could be drafted by the New York Giants if the Browns pass or fall where Cleveland or New York looks to trade back up.

ESPN’s Louis Riddick noted that he believed that Sanders’ “camp” actually wanted him to fall lower in the draft to be selected by a better team:

Louis Riddick on Shedeur Sanders: "This young man's going to be just fine. And you know what? I hope he doesn't go in the top three picks. I hope he doesn't. And I think his camp would tell you the same thing. There are other teams they want to go to." pic.twitter.com/KQ6HtlgZcy

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 9, 2025​

As things go this time of year, that rumor spread, with many questioning whether Sanders’ group was trying to protect him or if the quarterback was scared to compete.

Speaking to Kay Adams, Sanders not only dispelled the rumor but noted that he doesn’t know Riddick:

Shedeur Sanders responds to the idea that he doesn't want to be taken in the top 3.@heykayadams | @ShedeurSanders pic.twitter.com/j57n69QHya

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 11, 2025​

At this point, most believe that Sanders will be the second quarterback drafted, but there has been at least one note that Jaxson Dart is ranked ahead of him by multiple teams:

One prediction from the same scout: Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart being selected over Shedeur Sanders. According to the scout, multiple NFL teams have Dart ranked over Sanders and believe he has better physical traits (arm strength, mobility) and more developmental upside.

For now, teams near the top don’t need to worry about Sanders not wanting to be drafted by them, seemingly, but that doesn’t mean those teams will write his name on a card and turn it in.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...nders-rumors-browns-giants-louis-riddick-espn

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Saturday Dawg Chow (4/12): Flacco Fever grips Cleveland once again

Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images

The latest Cleveland Browns news and notes from around the NFL in the Saturday Dawg Chow.

The latest news about the Cleveland Browns and the NFL in today’s edition of the Saturday Dawg Chow, including the return of Joe Flacco, scheduling news, draft profiles, and more!

Dawgs By Nature:

• Browns, Joe Flacco agree on a reunion (Jared Mueller) - Everything we think we knew about what would happen at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns may have just changed. Most expected that Kirk Cousins would be traded to Cleveland once the team did not draft a quarterback with the second overall pick. Instead, the Browns and Joe Flacco are reuniting after a year apart, according to multiple reports.
• Joe Flacco’s time with the Browns: A quick review of his 6 starts in 2023 (Jared Mueller) - Joe Flacco’s time with the Cleveland Browns is the stuff of legends. Much like legends, it is important to try to sweep away the emotion and see what the facts tell us.
• How does the Flacco signing impact Browns draft plans? (Thomas Moore) - The Cleveland Browns hit a major public relations move on Friday with the signing of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. Now that the dust has settled over Flacco’s return, the important question is if this will impact Cleveland’s plans for the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Shedeur Sanders pushes back on ESPN’s report about his desired landing spots (Jared Mueller) - Browns rumors have quieted down around Shedeur Sanders but the QB could still go in the top 5.
• Browns Mock Draft: Cleveland adds offensive firepower early (Matt Wilson) - The Cleveland Browns have officially held over 60% of their allotted 30 pre-NFL Draft visits, and now it’s time to take some of this information and try to predict what the team could do on draft weekend.
• Browns bring in veteran safety for a visit, could hint at big change (Jared Mueller) - The Cleveland Browns roster is far from ready to go in 2025, with the NFL Draft less than two weeks away. One area that needs addressed is safety and on Friday came a report that Cleveland is bringing in safety Rayshawn Jenkins for a visit to Berea.
• Browns schedule release has potential dates (Thomas Moore) - The Cleveland Browns and their fans have known the team’s opponents for the 2025 NFL season for months, but the actual dates of the games have remained a mystery. However, fans will soon be able to make travel arrangements as the NFL plans to release the full schedule of games between May 13 and May 15.

Cleveland Browns:

• With Flacco signing, Browns in position to forgo QB at No. 2 in draft (ESPN) - With less than two weeks until the 2025 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns’ long-awaited quarterback signing has arrived. It could also give a glimpse of the team’s plans at the top of the draft, where it’s becoming more plausible Cleveland bypasses a quarterback.
• Browns get a public relations win with Joe Flacco, but is it a year too late? (Beacon Journal) - In your Cleveland Browns what-the-heck moment of the day, the team re-signed quarterback Joe Flacco on Friday. Perhaps a year too late.
• The deeper meaning of the Browns signing Joe Flacco (Terry Pluto) - The odds are against Joe Flacco having another magical five-game Comeback Player of the Year streak like he did with the Browns in 2023. But Flacco back to Cleveland as a viable option at quarterback? Flacco being able to win some games and give a sense of stability at the position?
• Tyler Shough has strong arm, high football IQ and attention of Browns (Browns Zone) - Louisville offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Brohm knew what the film showed. The strong right arm that can make every throw and the long legs that can pick up yards in chunks. Not everything is evident on film. After Tyler Shough joined Louisville through the transfer portal in December 2023, Brohm began to get a fuller picture of his starting quarterback.

NFL:

• Travis Hunter is still not sure which position NFL teams want him to focus on (Associated Press) - Some NFL teams are sending Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to the offensive meetings first. Others have him meet the defensive coaches first. Exactly two weeks before the league’s annual draft is held in Green Bay, Hunter told The Associated Press he’s not sure which position teams want him to focus on when his career begins — receiver or cornerback.
• How the Commanders can help Jayden Daniels build on success (ESPN) - The first season couldn’t have unfolded any better for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Year, earned MVP votes and established himself as one of the most dynamic players in the league. Not to mention one of its most marketable. The question then becomes: As defenses focus more on him, what does Daniels do for an encore?
• Built different: Is the 6XL, 464lb Desmond Watson too large for the NFL? (The Guardian) - The defensive tackle is one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. But the attributes that make him stand out could also be his downfall.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/4/12/24406290/cleveland-browns-news-4-12-joe-flacco-nfl-draft

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL Draft Profile: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri

Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images

After a down year in 2024, Burden could be a wide receiver to watch on Day 2 of the draft.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver room in 2024 fell into some easily identifiable tiers.

Tier 1 was Jerry Jeudy, who easily led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns while earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

Tier 2 was Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman, and Amari Cooper, who collectively just barely exceeded Jeudy’s production despite have 59 more targets.

Tier 3 consisted of Michael Woods II, David Bell, Jamari Thrash, James Proche, and Jaelon Darden, which was essentially a collection of interchangeable parts.

The bottom line is that the Browns need to give Jeudy some help by adding a wide receiver in the draft.

General manager Andrew Berry may address the position by selecting Colorado’s Travis Hunter, but if the Browns go in another direction at No. 2, then Luther Burden III of Missouri could be a name to watch at the top of the second round.

Every Luther Burden III 15+ yard reception from 2024 #NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/trMUBbEf0o

— Ray G (@RayGQue) April 5, 2025​

Name: Luther Burden III

Position: Wide receiver

Height/Weight: 6-foot, 206 pounds

College: Missouri

2024 stats: 12 games, 61 receptions, 676 receiving yards, 11.1 yards per catch, 6 receiving touchdowns

Career stats: 38 games, 192 receptions, 2,263 receiving yards, 11.8 yards per catch, 21 receiving touchdowns

Luther Burden III is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He does not qualify for a #RAS due to a lack of measurements.

Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/ydODxl9EeV pic.twitter.com/Zqs4z2zEyJ

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025​

Relative Athletic Score: Does not qualify for a score due to a lack of measurements.

Average “Big Board” Position as of Publishing Date from Mock Draft Database: 34th overall/second-round selection

The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value: Day 2 - Winning Starter

15 minutes on WR Luther Burden III ️

His 2023 tape was the most fun I had watching a WR prospect this year

Outstanding YAC. Terrifying speed. Excellent ball tracking. And plucked everything out of the air.

Did 2024 complicate things?https://t.co/yLhdN5hoqb pic.twitter.com/PGJwJ3XMcr

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 27, 2025​

What an Expert is Saying

Lance Zierlein at NFL.com:

Former five-star recruit who offers five-star athleticism and playmaking ability. Burden is a natural on the field with above-average speed and exciting ball skills to win at a high rate. He takes snaps off and short-circuits routes if he’s not the primary option, but he can separate and succeed on all three levels when it’s his time. Missouri exploited Burden’s yards-after-catch talent with a barrage of short throws, but NFL teams are much more likely to diversify his usage, activating his complete skill set and big-play potential. The production against top teams was uneven at times but so was Missouri’s quarterback play. Burden checks several priority boxes that typically foreshadow an impressive NFL career.

What an Expert is Saying (Bonus Round):

Pro Football Focus:

Burden is a true all-around athlete with adequate height and weight. He is also agile and explosive yet powerful and balanced. He has experience and success on and off the line of scrimmage as an X, flanker, and slot receiver, and he is often used as a “move” receiver before the snap.

His first-step explosiveness is impressive, allowing him to win quickly against press. He also has the body control, flexibility, and explosiveness to be a sharp route runner for high separation scores. Despite a dense build, he has some reps where he struggles as a blocker. When the ball gets in his hands, he becomes a running back with good vision and contact balance for high YAC averages.

His low production in 2024 seemed to be more of a product of secondaries keying on him with double/tight/cap coverages instead of anything on his end.

Luther Burden III on vertical targets pic.twitter.com/txDKAxVtMp

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 2, 2025​

Fit with the Browns

If Burden’s struggles last season were truly due to defenses keying on him, that would not be a problem in Cleveland with Jeudy and David Njoku on the roster. His versatility is an asset and one that head coach Kevin Stefanski would have success with building some schemes to take advantage of Burden’s ability to catch the ball.

Browns Player Drafting Could Impact

Take your pick of any of the receivers not named Jerry Jeudy or Cedric Tillman (who is likely safe as he is still on a rookie contract). There were a lot of factors that went wrong in the passing game in 2024, starting with the quarterback play, but it would not be a hard decision to take a roster spot from Michael Woods II (seven receptions), David Bell (three receptions), Jamari Thrash (three receptions), James Proche (three receptions), or Jaelon Darden (one reception) if the Browns select a wide receiver.

Priority: Medium-plus. Cleveland needs another solid wide receiver to pair with Jeudy. The only question is how high in the draft are they comfortable when it comes to selecting one?

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What are your thoughts on Luther Burden III? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...owns-nfl-draft-profile-luther-burden-missouri

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Can you guess this Browns receiver in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Browns player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey, Cleveland Browns fans! We’re back for another day of the Dawgs By Nature in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Dawgs By Nature in-5 game​

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous Games​

Saturday, April 12, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Dawgs By Nature in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Browns player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS this week. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it. The game appears in slot #3 of the DBN layout each day this week and as noted above, will appear in this article exclusively. Additionally, there is a more general version of this at SBNation.com, which features a variety of random players that do not necessarily have Eagles history.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/4/13/24407333/sb-nation-browns-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL Draft: If the Browns need a QB to start in 2025, here is how we’d rank the draft prospects

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Alternate universes exist for the Browns when it comes to drafting a QB based on 2025 alone.

The Cleveland Browns finally made their move to sign a veteran quarterback to add to the room when they officially agreed to terms with Joe Flacco. Many fans assume that the veteran will be the starter based on his prior success in Cleveland with Kevin Stefanski.

The Browns also traded for Kenny Pickett at the start of the offseason, and he maintains that he is planning to be the starter despite the addition of Flacco. The mainstream assumption is that the Browns will look to draft a quarterback early in the draft to round out the position group.

It’s a foregone conclusion that the Tennessee Titans will draft Cam Ward with the first overall pick, and some intriguing options have potential but may need more time before stepping in to lead the huddle.

If you are like me and the current situation of a possible Pickett versus Flacco battle in training camp doesn’t light your fire, it’s probably not because your wood is wet. There are plentiful concerns about both players that are too long to list here.

The purpose of this article is to assess the remainder of the QB class with only one criterion: How would we rank these quarterbacks if we were drafting them based on their ability to start and win games for the 2025 season ONLY?

How would they fare if they were thrown into the mix to compete against the current room in training camp? Please keep in mind that these rankings are totally different if we are considering their long-term ceiling.

1. Shedeur Sanders

Sanders is the obvious choice here, and he has enough ability in the pocket to process within the structure of a timing-based scheme. The fact that the room only consists of Pickett and Flacco, may be a clue to Sanders being the target with Ward being unavailable.

Projecting Sanders Starting: The Browns trade back into the first round to reunite him with Travis Hunter. Sanders wins the job in camp over Flacco and Pickett.

2. Tyler Shough

Shough has arm talent, has plenty of experience, and has played under good offensive coaches during his long college career. There are certain things that he needs to clean up, like his tendency to flinch with pressure in his lap and his propensity to throw passes like he’s shooting fade-away jumpers.

He is a smart player overall, but at times, he can be very reckless with his body and the football. The talent is in there, however, and it would be on the coaching staff to get it out of him. His tape demonstrated some incredible throws, especially when moving to his left.

Projecting Shough Starting: The Browns trade up from pick 67 at the end of the 2nd round to select Shough. While flashing in camp and preseason, the media calls for him to start, but Stefanski chooses to roll with a veteran on a short leash to start Week One. Shough is eventually named the starter early in the season.

3. Kyle McCord

McCord had a tremendous final year after transferring to Syracuse and made a huge leap as a passer, throwing down the field. His being ranked early here has everything to do with being an ideal fit for Stefanski’s scheme. It was very hard to watch his tape and not see shades of Baker Mayfield during his time in Cleveland.

Projecting McCord Starting: The Browns hold tight after other QBs get drafted higher than they were hoping and end up grabbing him in the fourth round at pick 104. McCord struggles to stand out from Pickett in camp as both are similar passers, but the former offers more athleticism with his legs and turnover avoidance. The Browns eventually turn to McCord in the second half of the season to see what he can do once the playoffs appear out of reach.

4. Jalen Milroe

Milroe needs time to improve his mechanics and accuracy, and while he has the most upside on this list, the only reason he is being included here is due to his athleticism as a running threat. He is also highly regarded for his work ethic and intelligence, and his familiarity with Tommy Rees is a plus.

Projecting Milroe Starting: The Browns trade back from pick 33 to gain an extra pick and select Milroe in the low 40s. Milroe’s legs and throwing arm wow in camp, but his accuracy issues are too apparent while the team attempts to work out his mechanical flaws. After a tough start, the Browns turn the keys over to Milroe in hopes of saving their season during their bye-week. Stefanski and Rees pull all-nighters to dial in the offense to accentuate his threat as a runner.

5. Will Howard

Howard has good size and is a slightly above-average athlete for the position. He lacks real arm strength and benefited from playing in the Ohio State offense. That said, he is competent and shows the ability to be accurate enough to lead a functional offense with a strong running attack.

Projecting Howard Starting: The Browns end Howard’s slide by trading up into the fifth round to take him as a spot starter with long-term backup potential. He doesn’t do much to separate himself on the field, but the staff loves his development in the room and his football acumen in picking up the scheme and nuances of playing the position. He ultimately gets an opportunity as the third QB to start a game for the Browns late in the year after Flacco throws three interceptions in a bad loss at home.

I can hear you screaming, “But where is Jaxson Dart?” As I said, this was about ranking them to draft in order to win games this season alone. I do believe Dart has talent and potential, but he will need time to develop as he will need to learn how to go through progressions. It’s more of a function of the gimmicky offense he played in, but he also needs to improve his accuracy down the field and throwing outside the numbers.

Both he and Milroe are projects, with the difference being that Milroe has physical tools that win in the NFL from day one.

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Now, I want to hear your thoughts about this exercise. Do you agree with the order in which I placed them? How do you see it differently? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...ects-ranking-sanders-dart-shough-ewers-howard

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL free agency: Browns sign another defensive end, room too full to draft another?

Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images

Julian Okwara was drafted in the 3rd round in 2020

The clock is slowly ticking down to the 2025 NFL draft, but NFL free agency is open for business as well. This offseason, the Cleveland Browns have brought in QB Joe Flacco, OT Cornelius Lucas, DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, OL Tevin Jenkins, LB Jerome Baker and WR DeAndre Carter as outside free agents.

With the draft expected to bring WR/CB Travis Hunter to the team, the Browns still have a lot of holes to fill, including at tight end and much of the rest of the offense. Quarterback continues to be a lot of the conversation, including about the draft, which has left the defense as mostly an afterthought.

Many believed that DE Abdul Carter would be the one heading to Cleveland with the second overall pick, but Hunter is considered the favorite and there isn’t a lot of room in the defensive end room for another player. That is even more true now with Julian Okwara signing:

Bolstering our defensive line

We've signed DE Julian Okwara » https://t.co/o8xw2mJ3Vx pic.twitter.com/3UGUyfH3WW

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 14, 2025​

Okwara was a third-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2020. In 38 games with the Lions, Okwara had 54 tackles, 16 QB hits. 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks. The Notre Dame product spent last year with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played 13 games.

The Browns have added Okwara and Tryon-Shoyinka to a defensive end group that includes Myles Garrett, Alex Wright, Isiaah McGuire, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Sam Kamara, Cameron Thomas and Elerson Smith. Wright and McGuire played well opposite of Garrett, while Okoronkwo and Tryon-Shoyinka are well suited as pass rush specialists.

Details of Okwara’s contract will provide insight into his position within the group. The initial 53-man roster last year had just five defensive ends, which means competition will be fierce at the position.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...n-okwara-nfl-draft-abdul-carter-travis-hunter

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Daily Dawg Chow 4/15: Browns news: EDGE Julian Okwara brought in as preparations continue for the draft

Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images

More of the latest Browns news and notes from around the web in today’s dose of the Daily Dawg Chow.

Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• NFL Draft Profile: WR Landon Parker, Troy (Thomas Moore) Versatile player - he can also punt! - could be one to watch late in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Why Kirk Cousins, Browns rumors failed to lead to a trade, where Falcons QB could land (Jared Mueller) Kirk Cousins to the Browns seemed more likely than not until Joe Flacco signed last week
• NFL free agency: Browns sign another defensive end, room too full to draft another? (Jared Mueller) Julian Okwara was drafted in the 3rd round in 2020
• NFL Draft Profile: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (Matt Wilson) Analyzing Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. as a potential draft pick for Cleveland

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Browns sign DE Julian Okwara (Cleveland Browns) “The Browns continue to bolster their defensive line and pass rush, as they have signed DE Julian Okwara to a deal”
• Cleveland Browns Urged to Make Bold Move for Former 1,000-Yard WR (Sports Illustrated) “The Cleveland Browns could add this former 1000-yard wide receiver to their stable of weapons.”
• 10 steps for Cleveland Browns to ace 2025 NFL draft, come out with best-case scenario (Akron Beacon Journal) “There’s a million different ways the NFL draft could end up going for the Browns. Here’s a 10-step path to getting the best-case scenario.”
• Browns QB Deshaun Watson May Have Played Last Down in NFL (Yahoo Sports) “Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN believes there’s a chance Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has played his last down in the NFL.”
• Browns sign an EDGE! And the importance of bringing back Nick Chubb (Youtube) Quincy Carrier responds to the latest and offers his take

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...brought-in-as-preparations-continue-for-draft

 

[Cleveland Browns]

2025 Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Big Board: Digging into the trenches. Vote for spots 26-30

Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 21-25 players are in for the Browns’ big board, and now you can vote for slots 26-30.

The 2025 Cleveland Browns’ DBN Big Board continued with spots 21-25, as 151 people cast a vote. The 21-25 slots for the Browns’ DBN Big Board are as follows:

21. RB Omarion Hampton - 217 total points
22. OT Cameron Williams - 176 total points
23. EDGE Mike Green - 160 total points
24. OT Josh Conerly - 157 total points
25. DT Kenneth Grant - 145 total points

Another running back candidate has entered the discussion in Omarion Hampton, but the other four players have Cleveland seeking help in the trenches. At offensive tackle, that includes Cameron Williams and Josh Conerly. On the defensive front, it’s Mike Green and Kenneth Grant.

Remember that you are supposed to weigh a combination of talent, need, character, positional value, etc. for each player you vote for in relation to how they would fit with the Browns.

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Cumulative Big Board So Far​

1. EDGE Abdul Carter
2. QB Cam Ward
3. WR/CB Travis Hunter
4. DT Mason Graham
5. QB Shedeur Sanders
6. RB Ashton Jeanty
7. OT Will Campbell
8. OT Armand Membou
9. WR Emeka Egbuka
10. TE Tyler Warren
11. OT Josh Simmons
12. CB Will Johnson
13. OT Kelvin Banks
14. WR Tetairoa McMillan
15. EDGE Jack Sawyer
16. RB Treveyon Henderson
17. LB Jalon Walker
18. TE Colston Loveland
19. WR Matthew Golden
20. OG Donovan Jackson
21. RB Omarion Hampton
22. OT Cameron Williams
23. EDGE Mike Green
24. OT Josh Conerly
25. DT Kenneth Grant

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Compiling the Big Board: 26-30 Slots​

Now it’s time to vote for the players who will be in the 26-30 slots on the Browns’ DBN Big Board. Remember that you are supposed to weigh a combination of talent, need, character, positional value, etc. for each player you vote for in relation to how they would fit with the Browns.

If there are any players you wanted to vote for but who were missing from the list, please let us know in the comments section so we can include them in the next round. Please vote only once.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...igging-into-the-trenches-vote-for-spots-26-30

 

[Cleveland Browns]

QB Riley Leonard spoke to DBN’s Barry Shuck about improving throwing, ‘you suck’ wristband and more

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

The Browns will need to draft a young quarterback this year

The Cleveland Browns recently signed Joe Flacco to again come in and likely become the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Love it or find it meh, it is what it is. The franchise also has its likely backup in place with the trade for Kenny Pickett. Now, they need to grab a young buck to groom.

This year’s QB class is full of talent. Cam Ward of Miami and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders appear to be the headliners. Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss has vaulted himself into the bottom of the first round or anywhere in Round 2. Going into the Senior Bowl, he was a fourth-round prospect.

RELATED: JAXSON DART INTERVIEW

Other quarterbacks that have been tied to the Browns are Ohio State’s Will Howard, Tyler Shough of Louisville, Jalen Milroe from Alabama, and Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke.

And Riley Leonard of Notre Dame.

Dawgs By Nature’s Barry Shuck interviewed Leonard at this year’s Senior Bowl.

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QB Riley Leonard – Notre Dame​

6’-4”, 216 pounds​

40 time: 4.52​

Projected round: 3-4​

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Q: What has been the best part of the Senior Bowl?

A: The biggest thing is going from the Natty right into the Senior Bowl, you don’t have time to mope around and complain about losing. So, it’s great to get back into football. The best part here is competing. Any time you can sit down with coaches from an NFL team and look a head coach in the eye and talk ball, it’s really cool for me.

Q: You are one of the success stories of the portal. How did you deal with the transition?

A: Nobody accepts a scholarship thinking they will end up in the transfer portal. I am a very loyal guy. When you make a move like I did, going from Duke to Notre Dame, it can come off differently. I just tried to make the most of my new opportunities with my new teammates but at the same time try to hang onto my relationships with Duke as well. I had a good time at Duke and have no animosity there. I just thought going to Notre Dame was the best opportunity for my career.

Q: One aspect of your play that keeps coming up is your mental toughness. How do you deal with the spotlight?

A: Number one, when you lose a game that you are supposed to win, it sucks. There is no way around stating this. We lost a heartbreaker to Northern Illinois, and after the game coach told us the secret is that there is no secret. You have to put your head down and go to work. How do you overcome it? The work. I do keep my life very simple. I don’t text much and stay away from social media. You don’t have an option to respond when your back’s against the wall.

Q: Now that the off-season is here, what have you been doing to get yourself ready for the next level?

A: I had some struggles this year and want to improve my throwing. I don’t see myself as any less of a thrower than anyone else. I feel I can make any throw on the field. This week is my time to showcase that. I want to show what I can do on my Pro Day and have a lot to prove. I’m excited for what comes next.

Q: Some media outlets are stating you have a back foot issue.

A: When you pull up my tape, my best playing is when I play fast. My feet are fast. If you pull up my two-minute drill, I am playing at my best. I think NFL offenses really complement my feet and make me play fast, especially when I am under center. When I am on time, I am very accurate. But when I’m lackadaisical in the pocket where the longer guy can get long, I am more inaccurate. So, being quick and twerky and getting the ball out of my hand on time is something that I am really focusing on.

Q: You had your pick on which sport to focus on going into college. How did you decide to focus more on football?

A: After my junior year in high school, I was debating on which sport I wanted to pursue. People in my hometown still look at me as a basketball player. Then COVID hit, and I wasn’t able to get the offers I was expecting, especially being from a small town. Scouts and coaches just couldn’t see me play in person any longer. My QB trainer was David Morris, who had played for Coach Cutcliffe at Ole Miss. Cutcliffe was at Duke, and he offered me. I just took it and ran with it. So, basically, the decision was made for me.

Q: A lot of players don’t realize that the NFL “The Duke” ball made by Wilson is a lot different than the Wilson GST ball used in college. What is your opinion when these NFL coaches brought out their football to use, and have you changed your grip?

A: I absolutely love it. There aren’t any stripes on it, which is different. The ball just rips through the air. I haven’t changed my grip but have been trying to get more space in between my hand, flicking the ball, and making sure it comes off my index finger and not get caught in my palm. I try not to overthink it. The way you throw it is the way you throw it.

Riley Leonard is one of the most UNDERRATED all-around talents in the country.

Notre Dame may finally get over the hump with this potential first-round pick at QB pic.twitter.com/FtV6P5qTGK

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) May 22, 2024​

Q: Who are some of your favorite NFL players, and which NFL team did you root for growing up?

A: I like Josh Allen. I like how he competes and has that “whatever it takes to win” mentality. And he lets it fly. The “let it rip” mentality. A lot of family is from DC, so I was a Redskins fan.

Q: When you play the EA Sports College Football game, how did your own player react?

A: I am not very good. I don’t even own a gaming station. But it is awesome to see yourself. It’s the coolest thing in the world - I’m a kid like everyone else in my world. I don’t know if I have ever come close to winning that game. It’s just not the same. I’ll be going through my reads, and it’s like Cover-2 and it doesn’t work.

Q: You are a Christian and make it well-known about your faith. Give us a favorite verse.

A: I like Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Notre Dame) and Ohio State were the two teams that praised Jesus Christ the most this season. I am happy to see Godly men come out on top no matter what the circumstance. I am happy to praise Jesus in the lowest of lows as well.

Q: You are a good runner and gained 906 rushing yards this past season with 17 rushing touchdowns. Is this planned, or more or less your pocket escape strategy?

A: I learned a long time ago the passing game isn’t always going to get you into the end zone. On days that we struggle, you’ve got to put your body on the line. I tell my teammates all the time, whatever it takes to win. I try to lead by example and help in the run game. Our offense always trusts the plan for that game, and if that means I need to gain yardage by running the ball, I am for it.

Q: You are wearing a wristband that says “You suck.” What is the meaning behind this?

A: I think early on in my playing days, everybody would always tell me how good I was, and I wanted my mother to humble me a little bit. So, the “you suck” thing is just a reminder that I don’t know more than anybody, and just put my head down and go to work. There’s always something more to prove. Mama taught me that one, and I appreciate it.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/4/16/24409291/browns-nfl-draft-riley-leonard-rumors

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns Reacts Survey - Who is the betting favorite for Cleveland to draft at No. 2?

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

Also, would you trade down in the draft?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cleveland Browns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Throughout the offseason, we run several SB Nation Reacts polls to gauge the degree of fan confidence in the Cleveland Browns. As the 2025 NFL Draft continues to approach, FanDuel has released more draft-related odds, including who you would bet on the Browns selecting with the No. 2 overall pick of the draft.

The odds have recently taken a dramatic shift. Although some are still high on Shedeur Sanders, the feeling is he won’t be a top pick. Then, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter are the top non-quarterbacks, and Hunter’s stock has especially skyrocketed in the past week. Is that who you are leaning toward now too, as a fan?

Travis Hunter -310
Abdul Carter +240
Shedeur Sanders +1400
Cam Ward +7000
Jaxson Dart +9000
Mason Graham +11000

We also asked a second question: if you were the Browns, would you trade down from No. 2 overall? I know we’re not mentioning specific compensation here, but just assume that Cleveland would get a decent haul for it.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...tting-favorite-for-cleveland-to-draft-at-no-2

 

[Cleveland Browns]

NFL Draft: Joe Thomas to represent Cleveland during draft weekend as the Browns look to land a big fish

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The former Hall of Fame left tackle will attend the draft taking place in his home state.

As the Cleveland Browns are preparing to make a big decision at the top of the draft, the NFL announced that Joe Thomas will represent them during the festivities of the 2025 NFL Draft. The draft will take place next week in Thomas’s home state of Wisconsin, in Green Bay.

The former Browns’ left tackle will announce one of the draft picks during the second night of the draft on Friday and be among the four NFL Legends to attend on-site. Thomas will be a popular podium choice as he played in college at the University of Wisconsin.

The full list of current and former players is the following:

Ironically, it was Thomas who made waves by deciding not to attend his draft eighteen years ago, in 2007, when he was drafted by Cleveland with the third overall pick. Thomas, famously, decided to go fishing instead and many have made the connection to Travis Hunter whom everyone has recently learned about his love for fishing.

Why Travis Hunter is the biggest fish (and fisherman) in the pond https://t.co/KFJyDz1v4t pic.twitter.com/cq8c4iRNpB

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 17, 2025​

Unlike Thomas, Hunter will be in attendance for the draft and will likely be picked very early. The Browns have been heavily linked to him in recent weeks and could land the biggest fish of the draft with the number two overall pick.

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What do you think? Remember, Cleveland traded back into the first round to get a QB in that draft as well. Is this all the universe aligning to bring the Browns good fortune in this draft? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...ft-joe-thomas-represent-fishing-travis-hunter