As Andrew Berry continues to put the finishing touches on free agency, the Cleveland Browns are simultaneously focusing on their plan at the top of this year’s draft. The public pressure to get a quarterback has intensified over the last few weeks for drafting Shedeur Sanders with the second overall pick.
I’ve recently advocated for attempting a trade-up to the first pick to select Cam Ward, and that’s exactly what we are going to do in this mock draft utilizing the Mock Draft Database simulator.
The trade-up to number one with the Tennessee Titans ended up costing the following:
Tennessee Titans receive:
2025 1st-rd pick - 2nd overall
2025 3rd-rd pick - 94th overall
(2) 2025 6th-rd picks - 192 and 200th overall
2026 3rd-rd pick
Cleveland Browns receive:
2025 1st-rd pick - 1st overall
Now, let’s get to it.
1st Round- (1) QB Cam Ward
The Browns were too close to pass up the best QB in the entire draft and paid the price to get their guy. He has the arm to play in the elements of the AFC North and should excel in the RPO and quick passing game that new Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will deploy.
2nd Round- (33) OT Josh Conerly Jr.
The Browns would be pleased if Conerly makes it out of the first round. Berry has shored up the offensive line enough during free agency to allow Conerly time to add strength and improve his hand usage. He is a tremendous athlete with tons of potential.
Josh Conerly Jr is one of the best pass protectors in this draft.
Held Abdul Carter to zero pressures during their matchup. Sound athlete with coordinated hands. pic.twitter.com/QRt01EENhe
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 14, 2025
3rd Round- (67) RB Kaleb Johnson
Johnson is one of the top backs in an absolutely loaded class. Fortunately for Cleveland, both Treyveon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins went ahead of him in the mock causing him to be there in the third round. Johnson has tremendous feet and vision and will excel in the wide zone run scheme.
4th Round- (104) TE Terrance Ferguson
Ferguson impressed at the combine with his athleticism and is versatile enough to be a solid blocker inline and in space. He could have a role early as a receiving threat on misdirection pass plays.
Terrance Ferguson is a Top-5 TE in this class for me, with a Day 2 grade.
Great frame with very nice athleticism, he can play in multiple alignments, a very willing and talented blocker, and has very nice production within the passing game.pic.twitter.com/czGXtp8IUT
— Andy (@CUandyy) March 4, 2025
6th Round- (179) CB Bilhal Kone
Kone could go way earlier than this on day three but I also may have him rated higher than most. He ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine and already has an NFL build to be an effective and willing tackler in the run game. He doesn’t overreact to double moves and jukes by shifty receivers and does a good job of closing in with the ball in the air.
6th Round- (216) WR Dont’e Thornton
Thornton ran a 4.3 40-yard dash and stands at 6’5” tall. He is a deep-threat speed merchant who played on the outside at Tennessee. He has a limited route tree but the upside would be worth a late-day three pick.
7th Round- (255) LB Nick Martin
Martin was a very productive player who has athleticism but is a little undersized. He was recently linked to the Browns with a scheduled ‘30’ visit. He could help provide youth to a linebacker room that was fortified with veteran depth among the uncertainty surrounding Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s availability for next season.
Overall, in this scenario, the Browns prioritized filling holes on the offensive side of the ball with their first four picks. The draft capital lost to move up one spot isn’t ideal but the opportunity to add a true franchise quarterback to build around was one that the Browns couldn’t pass up.
How would you feel about this mock draft for the Browns? Is moving up to the first pick worth it? Let us know in the comments below.