The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart currently includes Deshaun Watson, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, and Kenny Pickett.
But if College Sports Network analyst Oliver Hodgkinson has a say, they’ll address that need with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Browns Take Shedeur Sanders in Hodgkinson’s Mock Draft
As mentioned, the Browns’ quarterback situation is shaky, and Hodgkinson believes that’s reason enough to draft Sanders.
Here’s what Hodgkinson said about the pick in his latest mock draft:
“Do the Cleveland Browns really feel comfortable moving into the 2025 NFL season with Deshaun Watson or Kenny Pickett as their starter under center? With Myles Garrett securely under contract, this 2025 NFL Mock Draft answers that question with an emphatic no.
“Shedeur Sanders led the nation with a 74.0% pass completion rate this fall while averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. He also led the Big 12 in total passing yards (4,134) and passing touchdowns (37).
“16.7% of his completions resulted in a big-time play, and 10.5% resulted in a touchdown pass. Like or loathe the circus that surrounds him, the Colorado quarterback is the Browns’ best option right now.”
Hodgkinson notes that the Browns locked up edge rusher Myles Garrett for $40 million a season. To move forward — especially with plans for a brand-new stadium — Sanders could be the answer to help pull the franchise out of mediocrity.
A new, world-class enclosed stadium the Dawg Pound deserves pic.twitter.com/eviU8oAse0
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 18, 2025
Browns Take a Different QB in PFSN’s Mock Draft
Hodgkinson projects Sanders to Cleveland, assuming Cam Ward goes No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, Anthony Pasciolla of PFSN has Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter going first overall, which allows the Browns to take Ward at No. 2.
“After the Cleveland Browns secured defensive end Myles Garrett to a record-breaking contract extension, it’s obvious the route they plan on taking. Rather than starting a full rebuild, the Browns could select Cam Ward and use Deshaun Watson as a bridge QB while the rest of the roster is built up.
“Ward is by no means a surefire future face of a franchise, but he has all the physical tools to evolve into one. He is explosive and shifty in the pocket and open field while also having a really good deep ball feel.”
If Pasciolla has Ward going to Cleveland, where does Sanders land?
He doesn’t have to wait long, as Pasciolla has him going to the New York Giants at No. 3 overall.
“It turns out Shedeur Sanders didn’t wear New York Giants-themed cleats for nothing, even though he isn’t going off the board at the top spot in this scenario. The Giants weren’t able to steal Matthew Stafford away from the Los Angeles Rams, and it remains to be seen if they can land Aaron Rodgers in free agency. Their only promising route may be the draft.
“Sanders is a near-perfect fit in New York. Regardless of how he performs on the field, he’s a popular player and the son of an NFL legend joining one of the biggest markets,” Pasciolla wrote.