The Cleveland Browns are on the verge of a complete offensive overhaul. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be the start of a new era.
Owner Jimmy Haslam’s team holds the No. 2 overall pick, and the front office is poised to make moves to secure its quarterback, wide receiver and running back of the future.
Browns Predicted to Land Cam Ward, Matthew Golden and TreVeyon Henderson in 2025 NFL Draft
PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft projects the Browns to select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward in the first round, Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden in the second round and Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson in the third round. This offensive rebuild could redefine the franchise’s trajectory.
Ward is the crown jewel of this draft class for the Browns. Their search for a long-term answer at quarterback may be over if they land the 22-year-old Texas native. The 6’2″ signal-caller boasts “effortless arm strength and great improvisation skills,” making him an intriguing successor to Deshaun Watson.
While Watson remains under his massive $230 million contract, his struggles — he finished dead last in PFSN’s QB+ metric — and durability concerns have forced Cleveland to look ahead.
Ward, widely considered a high-upside prospect, could be the piece that finally stabilizes the Browns’ quarterback situation for Kevin Stefanski after a turbulent 2024 season.
With their second-round pick (No. 33 overall), the Browns look to upgrade their receiving corps by adding Golden. Cleveland’s passing attack has been a disaster, ranking No. 32 in PFSN Offense+ metric (56.3).
Golden is described as “a coordinated, intelligent route runner with impressive body control.” While he doesn’t have elite physical traits, he is projected as a reliable weapon for Ward. Current wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had an underwhelming 2024 season — just four touchdowns on more than 140 targets — so Golden could carve out a starting role as a rookie.
The Browns’ third-round selection of Henderson signals an inevitable transition at running back. While Nick Chubb has been a staple of Cleveland’s offense for years, his injury history and declining production make it clear the team needs fresh legs.
Henderson, a dynamic playmaker with “breakaway speed and three-down value,” stays in Ohio to fill the void. Given Cleveland’s ranking as the most penalized offense in the league last season, an explosive, disciplined running back like Henderson could be a game-changer.
Browns Building on Both Sides of the Ball
With the worst-ranked offense in the league last season, Cleveland’s draft strategy is clear — reset the foundation and surround a young quarterback with weapons.
Ward, Golden and Henderson may seem like a gamble now, but their potential upside could finally give the Browns the firepower they desperately need. If this rebuild goes according to plan, Cleveland might not just be looking at an improved offense but a legitimate AFC contender in the coming years.
The Browns retaining superstar Myles Garrett is sure to play a huge role in their ability to compete in the AFC North, one of the NFL’s most talented divisions.
Garrett recently agreed to a four-year extension worth $204.7 million. The deal includes $122.7 million in total guarantees, and makes Garrett the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
With Garrett anchoring the defense, and a rebuilt offensive core, Cleveland could vastly improve on the 3-14 record they posted in 2024.