The Cleveland Browns head into the 2025 season with one of their most exciting rookie classes in recent memory.
With seven picks bringing a mix of athleticism, upside, and positional need, Cleveland’s draft strategy focused on filling key gaps and creating competition.
This group is already drawing attention in Berea, and several players are expected to make an impact right away.
From immediate starters to under-the-radar contributors, here are the breakout candidates to watch from the Browns’ 2025 rookie class.
Quinshon Judkins – The Centerpiece of the Ground Game
When the Browns drafted Quinshon Judkins early in the second round, it was clear he would bring more than just depth. With Nick Chubb not returning and questions around Jerome Ford’s ceiling, Judkins arrives as the projected Week 1 starter.
Judkins fits perfectly into Cleveland’s run-heavy offensive philosophy. He brings a powerful, north-south style and ranks among the most elusive backs to enter the league in recent years. With 179 missed tackles forced since 2022, he enters the NFL already battle-tested.
The Browns’ ground game underperformed last season, finishing bottom five in both total rushing yards and yards per carry. Judkins isn’t just a wishful addition to the squad; he’s expected to be a catalyst in reviving the team’s offensive identity.
Carson Schwesinger – Plug-and-Play Linebacker
With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s future uncertain due to injury, second-round pick Carson Schwesinger is stepping into a critical role. The former UCLA standout totaled 163 tackles, five sacks, and had the lowest missed tackle rate among FBS defenders with 100+ tackles.
Schwesinger’s performance in OTAs confirmed what scouts saw on film: range, discipline, and natural instincts. His Day 1 readiness is a huge plus for a team that allowed far too many yards after contact last year.
Expected to start at weakside linebacker, Schwesinger brings a level of reliability that Cleveland’s front seven has missed. His presence should boost both run support and underneath coverage.
Mason Graham – The Trench Technician
Mason Graham might not be drawing as many headlines as his peers, but expectations for the No. 5 overall pick are high.
The Browns passed on more glamorous prospects, believing Graham was the right fit for their defensive front, a decision that’s already influencing Cleveland Browns odds heading into the season.
Known for his explosiveness off the snap, Graham was one of college football’s most disruptive interior linemen. While he may begin the season in a rotational role behind Maliek Collins or Shelby Harris, that won’t last long.
Cleveland’s defensive line was already strong with Myles Garrett leading the way, but Graham adds a physical, penetrating presence up the middle. He’s not just insurance, he’s an investment in long-term defensive dominance.
Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel – The Quarterback Question
Few teams used two draft picks on quarterbacks this year, but the Browns did just that, and for good reason. With Deshaun Watson sidelined and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett offering only short-term solutions, the door is open for either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel to make waves.
Gabriel, a third-rounder with a quick release and surprising poise, was described by scouts as a wild card, drawing early comparisons to Brock Purdy. The Browns see a gamer, someone who can step in and stabilize if needed.
Meanwhile, Sanders’ slide to the fifth round was one of the draft’s biggest surprises. The Browns had spent considerable time scouting him, and while it’s a crowded quarterback room, Sanders has the tools to push for reps.
Whichever quarterback wins this battle could very well shape the Browns’ playoff hopes.
Harold Fannin Jr. – The Mismatch Maker
Harold Fannin Jr. brings a unique weapon to Kevin Stefanski’s offense. The most productive tight end in the nation last season with 1,555 receiving yards, Fannin is more than a backup; he’s a potential gamechanger.
With David Njoku entering a contract year, the Browns are preparing for the future. Even with Njoku still starting, expect Fannin to play early. Stefanski favors two-tight-end formations, and Fannin’s versatility makes him a natural fit.
His name has even begun surfacing in early FanDuel NFL player trends, hinting at his potential breakout appeal among fantasy enthusiasts.
His soft hands and route-running were on full display during OTAs, and the buzz around him continues to grow. Few defenders can handle a tight end who moves like a slot receiver; Fannin could become a red-zone favorite quickly.
Dylan Sampson – The Change-of-Pace Threat
Despite being a fourth-round pick, Dylan Sampson isn’t just along for the ride. He finished his final college season with 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Sampson offers a burst the Browns have lacked. His top-end speed and vision create big-play potential every time he touches the ball. With Judkins handling the early downs, Sampson is primed to thrive as a complementary weapon.
The Browns have successfully used two-back systems before. In 2020, Chubb and Kareem Hunt formed one of the league’s most dangerous duos. Sampson and Judkins could recreate that blueprint — a balance of power and speed.
Why This Rookie Class Feels Different
What sets this rookie class apart is how many of them are positioned to contribute right away. It’s not just about potential, it’s about fit and opportunity. Every pick addresses a direct need or creates internal competition at a key position.
In past years, rookies often had to wait their turn. Not this time. From Week 1, Judkins, Schwesinger, and potentially Graham will be on the field. Even the quarterbacks, normally developmental pieces, are in a legitimate race for playing time.
The Browns didn’t just draft talent; they drafted solutions. These aren’t placeholders. They’re playmakers. And with an aging core in some spots, infusing youth with upside was vital.
Eyes on September
Training camp and preseason will offer more clarity, but expectations are already forming. Cleveland’s fanbase has reason to be excited, and this rookie group could inject the spark this roster needs.
If early signs are accurate, the Browns’ 2025 rookie class might not only meet expectations — they could reset the standard for what impact rookies look like in the AFC North.
*Information is provided as of 2025//-8/01, for general purposes only and is subject to change.
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