Browns 2025 Mock Draft: Adding weapons, a safety and a tackle early in this way too early mock

It’s way too early but let’s start laying the groundwork for the next draft cycle

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books and when one draft cycle ends, another begins.

We’re still getting acclimated with the newest crop of the Cleveland Browns but next year will be an exciting time because Andrew Berry will potentially have a full war chest of draft capital at his disposal. He was even asked about the thought of having a first-round pick once again, and of course, he gave the typical Andrew Berry answer including that they have it “for now”

Sunday, Jared brought you his 2025 Browns Mock Draft but if one is good, two is better. (Editor’s Note: Jack has been handling mock draft duty all offseason so it is only fitting for him to bring us another great mock draft.)

For this fun, way too early, exercise. We’re using the Pro Football Network simulator which has already been updated to the 2025 draft board and allows us to draft all seven rounds.

First Round

Nic Anderson, WR, Oklahoma: A big, athletic, vertical threat at the wide receiver position, Anderson had a successful redshirt freshman season averaging 21 yards per reception and finding the end zone ten times for the Sooners. It’ll be interesting to see how his production translates as Oklahoma moves to the SEC this year and he’ll face tougher competition in opposing defenses.

Second Round

Xavier Nwankpa, Safety, Iowa: Browns will need to address safety at some point with Juan Thornhill’s future up in the air past 2024 and Grant Delpit only locked in through 2026. Nwankpa has good size and long arms, and watching some film on him, he quickly got after the ball carrier and wrapped them up. According to PFF, he was also excellent in coverage as he was one of the top-graded safeties in that category.

Third Round

Austin Barber, Offensive Tackle, Florida: It was somewhat disappointing that the Browns didn’t address this position during the 2024 NFL Draft but perhaps that means they’re still high on Jedrick Wills who is entering his final season under contract. Regardless, the depth at the position should be addressed in 2025. Barber had a strong sophomore season in 2022 allowing only 15 pressures and one sack in 322 pass blocks. He did take somewhat of a step back in 2023 allowing five sacks but his total pressures only went up to 16. Great size at 6’6 could beef up just a tick (listed at 305 pounds).

Fourth Round

Donovan Edwards, Running Back, Michigan: Edwards was someone I kept my eye on last fall looking at the 2024 draft cycle but he elected to return for another season even after helping win a national championship. He took a major step back averaging 4.2 yards per carry after a monster 2022 campaign where he averaged 7.5 yards per carry although the 2023 number did have a major uptick with his performance in the national championship game. With Blake Corum now advanced to the NFL, Edwards will be the lead back, and with his vision and pass-catching ability, NFL teams will be watching again to see if 2022 was just a mirage.

Sixth Round

Drew Allar, Quarterback, Penn State: Not specifically Allar, but the quarterback draft selection could be higher depending on how the 2024 season goes with Deshaun Watson back under center and 100% recovered from the shoulder injury. Regardless, I do think they’ll take another stab at a development pick at the position with Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley on one-year deals and Dorian Thompson-Robinson being an unknown recovering from a hip injury. Allar had a solid 2023 campaign with a 25:2 touchdown to interception ratio.

People will point to his low completion percentage but 28 throws were dropped by his receivers and nine passes were batted down.

Paris Shand, EDGE, LSU: Shand is listed as a defensive tackle in the simulator but in reality, he’s a rotation defensive end for the Tigers and hasn’t shown too much promise yet between his time in Arizona and LSU. Great size at 6’5 and 275 lbs. but the production hasn’t been met yet. Perhaps one last collegiate season will be the year the former Top 100 high school prospect breaks through.

Fentrell Cypress III, Cornerback, Florida State: After transferring to Florida State from Virginia, Cypress made an impact in the Seminoles’ secondary with 40 tackles and 8 pass breakups. Good size and a strong athletic background, was a regional track champion in the 100 meter dash in high school in South Carolina.

Seventh Round

Tyler Booker, Guard, Alabama: You win and lose football games in the trenches, and even though the Browns added Zak Zinter and Javion Cohen, depth never hurts especially in those trenches. Booker has allowed two sacks in 640 pass blocks and also improved as a run blocker last season. Another strong campaign will likely improve his draft stock heading into 2025.