Coming off a disappointing 2024 NFL season, the silver lining for the Cleveland Browns was a top 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a playoff caliber roster other than at quarterback, general manager Andrew Berry had an opportunity to make some noise, and he did.
The offseason started by extending the contract of Myles Garrett and that momentum rode into the NFL Draft with the Browns igniting fireworks by trading that No. 2 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for more draft capital giving the team more picks to address key needs.
Cleveland Browns address top needs:
The Browns are expected to be without Deshaun Watson, so quarterback was a key need to address. With Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco on the roster, selecting a QB was a desperate need so the team did take care of other needs before coming away with two quarterbacks in the middle rounds to add to an intriguing QB competition in training camp and the preseason. Will one of those rookie QB’s make an impact in Year 1?
If so, it could be a wild season for the Browns, a season where rookies will have an opportunity to step up and shine at key positions.
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Cleveland Browns:
Round 1, Pick No. 5 – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan: The Browns traded back and selected Mason Graham who should wreak havoc right away playing on the same line as Garrett. The former Michigan star who dominated offensive lines was ranked the top interior defensive lineman headed into the 2026 NFL Draft and he will prove to be no joke in his first season with the Browns.
Known as a player with a high motor and versatility along the line, Graham is already showing off his work ethic and dedication during OTAs.
When asked about first impressions of Graham, Brown’s head coach Kevin Stefanski noted the extra work he is already putting in:
“Yeah, really working extremely hard. Is in the weight room, I see him out here getting extra work, doing great in the meeting rooms. As you guys know, phase three, the offseason, is not really made for offensive lineman and defensive linemen. So, there’s a lot of work that happens in individual drills. So, Coach Jacques (Cesaire) has his hands on them and they’re doing just that. They’re working really hard.”
Round 2, Pick No. 36 – Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State: The Browns will lean on the run game which is evident with them selecting both Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the draft. While Sampson is intriguing, Judkins is going to be a force in Year 1 for the Browns. Expect him to challenge Jerome Ford for lead back snaps and instantly make Browns fans forget about Nick Chubb.
In rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his three years in college, Judkins is a running back who is not only elusive in the open field, but tough to take down as he fights for every yard. As a high second-round pick, he will prove his worth early and often in becoming a very big factor in the Browns’ ground attack.
Round 5, Pick No. 144 – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado: Wouldn’t it be ironic and secure a victory for the Browns in the 2026 NFL Draft if Shedeur Sanders ends up as the team’s starting quarterback at some point in the season.
As a projected first round pick who slid all the way down to the fifth round, Sanders enters the league with a chip on his shoulder. The Browns have a loaded quarterback room, so nothing will come easy for Sanders who will not only have to beat out fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, but also Kenny Pickett and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.
Can Sanders find redemption in Year 1?
At some point in the season, Sanders will get his chance and run with it as he’ll be the spark offensively the Browns are looking for. This is a wild prediction, but Sanders has that “it” factor that will land him in the spotlight at some point during his rookie season.