Analyzing four players who could potentially make the team in 2025
The Cleveland Browns announced their undrafted free agent signings shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, and a handful of players stand out regarding their potential outlook with the team.
Andrew Berry and Co. haven’t been able to hide their fondness for the UDFA market over the past few years, and this season should be no different.
There are always a few UDFAs that end up making the practice squad heading into the regular season, and some even get promoted to the gameday roster during the year for various reasons.
Here are four players with legitimate potential to stick in Cleveland in 2025:
OG/C Justin Osborne – SMU
Osborne played almost every position along the offensive line for SMU throughout his career, and he’s been lauded for his selflessness and leadership ability. He was a 2x Team Captain, 3x All-Conference player, and 56-game starter for the Mustangs.
It was important to bring in more players who can snap the football this offseason, seeing that the only true centers on the current roster are Ethan Pocic and Luke Wypler.
His overall skillset and positional versatility is an extremely valuable quality to have as a rookie, and there’s a chance that Cleveland will want to keep that type of player on the practice squad this year.
TE/FB Eli Wilson – Appalachian State
Wilson is a slightly undersized tight end (6’2.5”, 239 lbs.) who’s also been used in an H-Back/Fullback role on occasion for Appalachian State. Seeing that Cleveland has added a true fullback in Troy Hairston this offseason, it’s evident that they’re planning on that position having a larger role in the offense going forward.
Wilson has lined up everywhere for the Mountaineers, from in the backfield to out in the slot. It’s evident that they valued his blocking skills because they usually used him as a move-blocker, motioning him to the playside pre-snap on run plays.
He has great hands and was a legitimate pass-catching threat as well, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him not only make the practice squad as a depth fullback but potentially compete with Blake Whiteheart for the TE3 spot. (Though that might be a long shot due to Whiteheart’s performance in 2024.)
CB LaMareon James – TCU
James was one of the best cornerbacks in the BIG 12 in 2024 and had 14 pass deflections, which was tied for 2nd-most in the FBS last season.
His overall speed, reported in the mid-4.3’s at his pro day, and closing burst have made it easy for him to recover if he overruns comeback routes and stay in lockstep with receivers on fades. It will be interesting to see if Cleveland wants to use him in the slot, as his skillset might translate better there at the NFL level.
He’s a feisty tackler as well, consistently showing the ability to step up and make big stops in the run game. James could be a shoo-in as CB6 if the team decides to head into the year with more than five cornerbacks.
S Donovan McMillon – Pittsburgh
McMillon is a hybrid safety who’s been pretty good in some aspects, but he still needs to develop in open-field coverage and play recognition. He bites too often against play-action and has been below-average with his keys and eye discipline.
He has great size and physical attributes and has been an absolute force against the run at times. McMillon has everything you desire from a physical standpoint, he just needs to grow from the mental aspect of playing the position.
It’s no secret that Cleveland loves to find and develop UDFA safeties (D’Anthony Bell, Ronnie Hickman, Chris Edmonds), and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Donovan McMillon be the team’s 2025 iteration.
Do you believe that these four players have the potential to make the team? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.