Cleveland Browns could have a big surprise in store for the 2025 NFL Draft

A rollercoaster season that was filled with valleys saw the Cleveland Browns finish with a 3-14 record in 2024. While their lack of in-season success was greatly disappointing, it at least set the franchise up to have a strong offseason, thanks to having the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Yet, the Browns have several needs, including a quarterback, and there may not be a prospect that they deem worthy of selecting at No. 2. Thus, the Browns could have a surprise in store for the first round of the NFL Draft this year.

Cleveland Browns may be most willing to trade down in 2025 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns are currently expected to have a total of 12 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet, as mentioned, this is a team with several needs on offense and defense. Adding low-cost talent couldn’t come at a better time for a team that starts the offseason well above the 2025 spending limit.

One factor that’s worth watching is the stock of the top quarterback prospects. Right now, most assume only two will be selected in the first round. If so, a team could get antsy, especially if the Tennessee Titans select Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders with the first overall pick. Could that spur action, causing a team to present Cleveland with a trade offer too good to refuse in exchange for the second overall pick?

Recently, NFL insider Josina Anderson took to Bovada to detail why the Browns could be the team that’s “most willing” to move back among teams in the top-five picks of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“My pre-combine assessment is that out of all the teams most willing to listen—it could be Cleveland. I’m not saying the Browns will make a move back, I just think they’ll be the most willing to listen of the clubs as mentioned above. They also have a player in Myles Garrett who will keep trying to force a trade—though general manager Andrew Berry has already said that he will not oblige him.”
Josina Anderson on Cleveland Browns

After trading three first-round picks in exchange for Deshaun Watson, the Browns have some catching up to do, and moving down from the second overall pick could present the perfect opportunity.