The 2025 NFL draft could be a turning point for the Browns defense
The Cleveland Browns 2025 NFL draft will be judged based on the Travis Hunter trade, which will lead to comparisons with DT Mason Graham, RB Quinshon Judkins, and whoever the Browns select with their extra pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Cleveland’s roster will need production from at least five of their seven-man draft class (and possibly a sixth if one of the rookie quarterbacks takes the starting role). As always in the NFL, players rarely can make an impact in a vacuum. System, talent around them and opportunities to produce are among the most important variables.
According to The NFL Network, two Browns rookie defenders should make an instant impact, starting with Graham:
Top-five picks always face immense pressure to produce, but this juicy subplot brightens the spotlight. Working in Graham’s favor: He gets to line up alongside the force of nature that is Myles Garrett. And he was one of the cleanest evals in this draft class, as a former wrestler who consistently wins with leverage, heavy hands and a non-stop motor. I anticipate early game-wreckage, inherently spawning an unthinkable development: a whole bunch of Ohioans praising a Michigan man.
Playing behind Garrett and Graham, as well as Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah missing the season, should be very helpful for LB Carson Schwesinger as well:
Rangy and instinctive with skills to defend against the run or pass, Schwesinger fits the mold of the modern off-ball linebacker. And playing behind Cleveland’s Myles Garrett-led front should keep the rookie pretty clean, allowing him to fly around the field and stuff the stat sheet.
It was somewhat surprising that Judkins did not get a spot at running back. Ashton Jeanty was bound for one of two spots, but Denver Broncos RJ Harvey snagged the other despite three other backs selected ahead of him, but after Jeanty.