We have hit another Monday, which means there is no better time for a new mock draft for the Cleveland Browns.
News hit last week that DE Myles Garrett has requested a trade from the Browns, which is huge news for the team. When March rolls around we will see if the Browns actually want to move Garrett, when it comes time to make free agency moves.
In today’s mock draft, we will draft as if Garrett is going to be on the team for at least the 2025 season. Cleveland may wait to trade him until down the road when it is more feasible.
Round 1, Pick 2: Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
I go back and forth between Cleveland taking their shot on the quarterback of the future here, or taking Penn State DE Abdul Carter. I’m going with Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, who will pair with a veteran quarterback for the Browns in 2025.
The question has been whether Cam Ward or Sanders should be the QB taken by the Browns. I believe the Browns have to take the safer prospect, who is very accurate despite not having a big arm.
Round 2, Pick 33: Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
The Browns have a huge hole at left tackle because Jedrick Wills Jr. was never able to be the franchise tackle that Cleveland hoped he would be. Here, the Browns take another swing on finding a starting tackle. After taking Sanders with the first pick, it makes a ton of sense to invest in the trenches.
Conerly allowed just two sacks in college and has the frame and athleticism to be a starting left tackle in the NFL. I could see Conerly slipping into the first round, but if he is there at 33 the Browns should take him.
Round 3, Pick 67: Ohio State DE J.T. Tuimoloau
I think it is smart to invest in the regencies on both offense and defense every single draft. With the uncertainty around Garrett in Cleveland going forward, the Browns must take a pass rusher or two in the draft. Cleveland has taken players like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire over the last couple of years, here they add another talented player.
Tuimoloau was a five-star prospect coming into Columbus and could have been drafted last season. Instead, the former Buckeye won a National Championship and had his best season with 12.5 sacks. It took some time for Tuimoloau to break out in college after having 11 sacks combined in his first three combined years. Tuimoloau has active, strong hands and can seal the edge in the run game. He has the tools to be a longtime pro.
