* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.
Are the Cleveland Browns on the brink of another quarterback overhaul this draft day?
The NFL draft is always filled with excitement, but this year, the intrigue surrounding the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback situation is particularly palpable. With just a few weeks until the 2025 NFL draft, Cleveland finds itself at a critical juncture, especially with the No. 2 overall pick in their hands.
The Browns have endured a tumultuous tenure at the quarterback position since acquiring Deshaun Watson, a deal that was meant to set the franchise on a path to contention but has instead plunged them into a cycle of uncertainty. After giving up three first-round picks for Watson and offering him a record-breaking guaranteed contract, the team has admitted their miscalculation. Team owner Jimmy Haslam candidly stated it was a “big swing and miss.”
Currently, the Browns are evaluating their options, and a strategic approach seems to be at play. If they choose to draft Abdul Carter as their top pick, three quarterbacks could come into play for Day 2 of the draft—namely, Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough. Each of these players brings unique strengths and weaknesses, making them intriguing candidates to potentially reshape Cleveland's future behind center.
The Browns’ history presents a cautionary tale on prioritizing quarterback picks too highly. Haslam emphasized that while acquiring the next franchise quarterback is imperative, they will not force the decision. Instead, the organization aims to accumulate talent that will thrive in their system, stating, "We’re going to be patient and we’re going to try to accumulate as many really good football players as we can.”
What makes this draft particularly complex for the Browns is the quality of the quarterback prospects available. Analysts suggest that the current class may not be as strong as previous years, which raises questions about whether the Browns should take the risk of overdrafting a signal-caller simply due to their pressing needs.
As of now, the Browns have Watson, who is recovering from an injury and may miss significant time in the upcoming season, along with a recently acquired backup quarterback. This precarious position necessitates a careful evaluation of both rookie and veteran options. Names like Kirk Cousins and Joe Flacco have emerged as potential veteran acquisitions. Cousins, who previously thrived under Browns coach Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota, presents an attractive option if the team opts against using their top pick on a quarterback. Flacco, on the other hand, proved to be a surprise hero last season, leading the team to the postseason after stepping in as a veteran presence.
Moreover, the ongoing frustrations within the team, particularly expressed by star defensive end Myles Garrett, underscore the urgency of the situation. Haslam has acknowledged these frustrations, indicating a need for stability and improvement across the roster, particularly with the quarterback position. “We’re all frustrated, OK? And I’m glad he cares enough to be frustrated,” Haslam remarked, hinting at the collective desire for progress moving forward.
The Browns are undoubtedly in the spotlight as they prepare for draft day. With ownership acknowledging past mistakes and signaling a fresh direction, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. Will the team seize the opportunity to reshape their quarterback future, or will they choose a different path? The choices made this draft day will resonate well beyond 2025, carving the way for what could either be a promising revitalization of the franchise or another chapter of instability. Whatever the outcome, the anticipation is building, and the stakes are high.
* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.