The Cleveland Browns are about a week away from OTAs, and a handful of players stand out as potential contenders for a breakout season in 2025.
DE Isaiah McGuire
McGuire had a great season in 2024, but it wasn’t for the reasons you might think.
He was brought in to provide the team with another pass-rushing threat opposite Myles Garrett, but ended up being more effective as a run stopper last year. It was difficult for him to bring pressure based on multiple factors, the biggest one being a lack of interior pass rush help.
It’s safe to say that the signing of DT Maliek Collins and the selection of Michigan DT Mason Graham in the 2025 NFL Draft will give the defense a chance to fix that problem.
McGuire “should” have a better opportunity to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks this season.
OT Dawand Jones
Jones is officially the Browns’ plan at left tackle in 2025, and it’s going to be interesting to see how he fares with a full-time workload on the left side after spending his entire football career on the right.
If he keeps his weight under control and adjusts well throughout the summer, he has a real chance to be exactly what Cleveland's needed for a long time now. He has all the tools required to be successful as a left tackle, he just needs to stay healthy and disciplined.
He undoubtedly has the potential to be a Pro Bowl-type pass protector in an improved offensive system in 2025.
S Ronnie Hickman
Hickman has played incredibly well for the Browns when on the field throughout his first two seasons in Cleveland, and as of right now, he looks to be the locked-in starter at free safety despite the team’s recent signing of Damontae Kazee.
Hickman’s been exceptional when patrolling the deep middle of the field and could be in line to play upwards of 60% of defensive snaps in 2025. Not only has he been above-average in coverage, but he also had a PFF run defense grade of 81.7 in 2024, which ranked 16th out of 171 qualifying safeties.
Ronnie Hickman could explode onto the national scene next season with a heavier workload.
Ronnie Hickman had himself a GAME against the Bears.
He was all over the field and consistently put himself in advantageous positions in coverage. I'm interested to see how he performs the rest of the way. The #Browns might have something here.
Excellent effort play on this… pic.twitter.com/UjImIWXyBv
— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) December 18, 2023
WR Cedric Tillman
Tillman took a big step forward in year two last season in terms of both route-running and overall confidence.
As long as he’s fully healthy from his scary 2024 concussion, which it sounds like he is, he could be in line for a big year across from Jerry Jeudy. His size, strength, and long frame could give Cleveland a more consistent red zone threat as well as an above-average downfield blocker in the run game.
Tillman could see close to a 70% snap share and be very productive in 2025, especially if Stefanski and Co. utilize a lot of two-tight end sets with David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. at their disposal. This could allow Cleveland’s wide receivers to see more single coverage and advantageous matchups on the boundary.
Who are some of your breakout candidates for 2025? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.