In the midst of free agency, we are inching closer and closer to the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns are picking in the top five and they will have a 1st round selection for the first time since 2021. Many mock drafts have the Browns selecting either a quarterback, whether it’s Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders or Miami QB Cam Ward, or the versatile Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter.
What about the pass rusher?
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter comes to mind. Carter is arguably the best edge rusher in his class and arguably the best defensive player in this draft along with Hunter. When the Browns are picking second, Carter should be the player that everyone should be on board with.
Why should the Browns draft Carter instead of a QB?
Why not? Do the Browns need a QB? Yes. However, in a QB class that isn’t strong and has more question marks, why should Cleveland risk taking someone who might not be the franchise guy?
The logic behind why most fans don’t want him is because of his frame and questions whether he can fit in Jim Schwartz’s defense. Those claims can be easily debunked:
Cliff Avril was 6'2" 250 and played well in Schwartz's scheme.
If Carter doesn't fit the defense, it's time or a new defense. https://t.co/oeQFYmO4kg
— Pete Smith (@_PeteSmith_) March 12, 2025
“Abdul Carter is undersized!”
Abdul Carter: 6’3” 251 pounds.
Will Anderson Jr: 6’4” 243 pounds. (11 sacks)
Max Crosby: 6’5” 255 pounds. (7.5 sacks)
TJ Watt: 6’4” 252 pounds. (11.5 sacks)
Jonathan Greenard: 6’3” 259 pounds. (12 sacks)
— Colb (@___Colb___) February 16, 2025
Also, look at the tape.
Carter has a great get off, great speed and power despite being undersized. Despite injuring his shoulder, Carter was a problem in the Orange Bowl against Notre Dame as it appears he was causing havoc every single play. Not to mention, Carter has learned on tape from someone who recently got a new contract:
Cleveland can draft a QB in the second round only if the opportunity is there for the Browns to draft the best player available. If the Browns aren’t in love with any of the top two QB’s in this draft (and it looks like they aren’t), Carter should be a no brainer. Garrett and Carter on opposite sides will be a handful for teams, not to mention it will take the pressure off Garrett.
No more Abdul Carter size talk please just watch the most violent player in the class play football
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) February 16, 2025
If you want to build a team close to contention, drafting the best player available is the start, especially if the team doesn’t have the same value on quarterbacks as the picks they have.