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With free agency under way, the Cleveland Browns have begun to add to their roster for the 2025 season. Bringing back Devin Bush was a smart move and takes the pressure off needing one in the draft with a group that lacks depth. The quarterback position is still a question mark, but I have little doubt that the Browns will add another veteran soon.
So far none of their moves have changed what they need to do in the draft. The draft is just around the corner so let's get into this week's draft mailbag questions.
What Defensive Tackles in the later round should we be keeping our eyes on? -Paul Beardsworth
It is a great defensive tackle group with star power and depth. Some guys can be three-down players and role-specific players. Several guys outside of my top 10 at the position are intriguing for later in the draft. Jordan Phillips from Maryland is a fun prospect. He is more of a run stuffer with limited pass rush upside, but he is fantastic at anchoring the middle of the line, absorbing double teams, and shutting down the run up the middle.
Another fun player is Virginia Tech's Aeneas Peebles, he is a physical at the point of attack and has violent hands. Peebles has a motor that just doesn't stop and is relentless as a rusher and a run defender. He is smart and technically sound, though he isn't an elite athlete, he could be a nice rotational player in the NFL.
What is the earliest pick you would use on each of your top 5-7 QBs? -Pluto
Quarterbacks 2-5 on my board all have differing degrees of day two grades, which seems to be the sweet spot. But guys like Jaxon Dart and Will Howard have gotten some round one buzz so they might be guys you need to spend a second round pick on if you like them because that might not last until the third round. Those I have outside of the top 5 are day three guys, so fourth round and on is okay for them.
What would it cost to move up to 1? - Like_Mike53
With one quarterback head and shoulders above the rest of the group and competition, it might be more costly than some think. You are definitely giving up a day two pick—it might have to be a second, but it could be a third—as well as one or two day three picks, if I had to guess right now.
What Browns draft day trades do you see happening… for players or picks? - Veni Vidi Vici
The Browns have an abundance of sixth-round picks, but I don't see them using all of them. If they don't trade for a veteran player before the draft, they could package them to move up for a player they like who falls. I think there is an excellent chance if they don't take a quarterback with the second overall pick that they will trade back into the first for a guy like Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart if they like one of them to make sure they get the fifth year option.
Who is more valuable for the browns at #2 Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter? -Go Browns
Travis Hunter is the top player on my big board. He did crazy things this year in college football, but I can't figure out exactly what his role will be in the NFL. For that reason, I think Abdul Carter is the best choice. Once paired with Myles Garrett, he will create one of the league's most athletic and disruptive pass rush duos.
Where is the sweet spot for a Browns tight end in this draft? - Nick Karns
This is a fun class, but the sweet spot for me is between their second-third round pick and the beginning of the sixth round pick. I could see the Browns doubling up on this group, but a guy I love for Cleveland if they wait to take a tight end on day three of the draft is Georgia Tech's Jackson Hawes. He is probably the best blocking tight end in this class and a good pass catcher. Pair that with David Njoku; you could have a nice tight end group.
Talk at #2 or a trade down to ~#7 have been infinite. I'm interested in what happens at #33 now. If we took a QB? If we didn't, what position? -Ty
If you took a quarterback first, then at number 33, it would be a good idea to set them up for success, depending on how the board falls. If there is a left tackle there you like getting him to protect the blindside, it makes the most sense. If not, a wide receiver or running back would make their job easier. You could take a different direction if someone you have a very high grade on falls that far.
If you don't take a quarterback, the first question is, do you love a guy like Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milore, and are they still on the board? If so, that is the answer. If not, then it's about who falls. Because of all the talent at the top of the class, there is going to be a run on defensive tackles at some point, so that could be a sneaky option to watch.