Browns' 2025 Draft Class Earns Mixed Grades After Rookie Season

From defensive standouts to QB chaos, the Browns' 2025 draft haul had both hits and misses.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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One year after the Cleveland Browns' 2025 NFL Draft, the results are a mixed bag. While the team landed defensive studs like Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham, the decisions at quarterback with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel were confusing. The Browns also raised eyebrows by drafting a second running back in Dylan Sampson while neglecting the offensive line, an area of major need heading into the offseason.

Why it matters

The Browns' 2025 draft class will be a key factor in determining the team's success in the coming years. While the defensive picks look like home runs, the questionable quarterback and offensive line decisions could haunt the franchise if not addressed properly.

The details

The Browns' 2025 draft class received an "A-" grade from Bleacher Report, with the defensive selections leading the way. First-round pick Carson Schwesinger was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, while fellow first-rounder Mason Graham helped Myles Garrett set the single-season sack record. Third-round tight end Harold Fannin Jr. also emerged as a weapon on offense. However, the team's decisions at quarterback were puzzling, as they drafted both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, with Gabriel struggling to adjust to the pro game. The Browns also raised eyebrows by drafting a second running back in Dylan Sampson while neglecting the offensive line, an area of major need heading into the offseason.

  • The Browns' 2025 draft class was evaluated one year after the selections were made, in February 2026.

The players

Carson Schwesinger

The Browns' first-round pick in 2025, Schwesinger was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after a dominant season.

Mason Graham

The Browns' other first-round pick in 2025, Graham helped Myles Garrett set the single-season sack record.

Shedeur Sanders

The Browns' second-round pick in 2025, Sanders showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled at times as a rookie quarterback.

Dillon Gabriel

The Browns' third-round pick in 2025, Gabriel struggled to adjust to the pro game and his pro ceiling looks to be that of a fringe backup.

Dylan Sampson

The Browns' second running back drafted in 2025, Sampson was seen as a questionable pick given the team's other needs.

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What’s next

The Browns will need to address their offensive line and depth at safety this offseason, as all five starting offensive linemen are set to hit free agency.

The takeaway

The Browns' 2025 draft class was a mixed bag, with the defensive selections shining but the decisions at quarterback and on the offensive line raising concerns. If Shedeur Sanders can develop into the team's long-term answer at QB, the draft will be viewed as a success, but the Browns will need to address their offensive line and other needs this offseason to capitalize on their defensive talent.