CLEVELAND, Ohio — If the Browns decide not to take quarterback with the number two pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, there are three defensive game wreckers that make sense.
If we learned anything from the Eagles’ dominant 40-22 Super Bowl win over the Chiefs, it’s that a dominant defense is still the driving force to winning championships. Philadelphia’s ability to bother Patrick Mahomes with just their front four and cover with seven is the blueprint to beating the Chiefs. That blueprint, however, is easier to state than it is to execute.
Just two years ago, the Browns had the personnel and scheme to make this blueprint a reality. Since then, however, things have changed drastically for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and the entire Browns organization.
Myles Garrett has made it very clear that he does not see himself as a Cleveland Brown in the future. If he leaves, Pro Bowl corner and Nordonia High alum Denzel Ward may question sticking around. With the uncertain future of Jeremiah Owusu-Karomoah and his neck injury, the Browns may lose all three elite game changers in Schwartz’s defense.
Let’s take a look at my top three game changers in the draft, all of which happen to all be on the defensive side of the football:
Mason Graham, DT Michigan
Graham, my No. 1 guy in the draft, is a rare combination of size, strength, and lateral quickness. The Michigan Wolverine finished his three-year college career with 108 total tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, and nine sacks.
At 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, the former high school wrestling champ is position flexible and is the best of both worlds as a defensive tackle. On early downs, Graham will use tremendous leverage to anchor in, maintain his gap integrity, and force double teams. On true passing downs, Graham uses his athleticism, size, explosive first step, and hand fighting to collapse the pocket on the quarterback. More than his physical skill set, the Michigan All-American plays nasty and has a mean personality.
Below is a look at Graham using his hand to control the offensive lineman and make the tackle.
Mason Graham plays with great leverage and violent hands. Great extension on the RG and finishes with a tackle. Plays with a mean streak. pic.twitter.com/tCMKUwd2ku
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) February 11, 2025
Areas of concern
At times Graham can play too high, which negates his leverage against offensive linemen. Though incredible with his hand fighting, he must continue to evolve as an NFL pass rusher.
Below is a look at Graham getting locked in and stuck in his pass rush.
Graham will have to improve his pass rush plan in the NFL. He can get “stuck” at times. pic.twitter.com/lOGEqcvGGW
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) February 11, 2025
Fit for the Browns
With Dalvin Tomlinson at age 30, Shelby Harris at 33 and Maurice Hurst (also 30) a free agent, the Browns must start to reload the interior of their defensive line.
Michael Hall Jr. was drafted last season and showed signs of being a productive third-down pass rusher. Graham is a three-down defensive tackle who can play 2-gap and stop the run game, but also a guy who can jump in a gap and rush the passer.
Travis Hunter, WR/DB Colorado
Hunter, a generational talent, is the most risk-free choice in this year’s draft. The Heisman winner is one of one with what he did on both sides of the football this past season.
Looking back, guys like Michigan’s Charles Woodson and Ohio State’s Chris Gamble played both offense and defense for their respective teams. What separates the 6-1, 185-pound Hunter is he was the first to be full-time starter on both offense and defense.
The former Colorado star had 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, but receiver may not be the Heisman winner’s best position. At corner, Hunter has the length, ball skills, explosiveness, short area burst, toughness, fluidity, and conditioning to be a lockdown corner in the NFL from day one.
Below is a look at an interception from Hunter that demonstrates his athletic ability.
Areas of concern
On film, Hunter is as polished and pro ready as any prospect maybe ever to enter the draft. The major concern would be if he can stay healthy at only 185 pounds. Hunter does not shy away from contact, which can lead to injury for smaller players at the NFL level. His weight as a corner can also be an issue with some of the big-bodied receivers he will see in the NFL.
Below is a look at a great tackle from Hunter on a quick bubble screen. This willingness to play with reckless abandon could be a concern for some teams worried about Hunter’s durability.
The biggest concern for Hunter may be his willingness to tackle and be physical. At just 185, durability may be an issue. Guy loves to play football! pic.twitter.com/j98hbVia3s
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) February 11, 2025
Fit for the Browns
With Hunter on one side and Denzel Ward on the other, Schwartz would have the best corner tandem in the NFL. This would be especially great with how much man coverage Schwartz likes to implement. Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees could also create 15-20 potential touches on the offensive side of the football for Hunter. Touches in space for Hunter are more important than actually learning an offensive position.
Abdul Carter, DE Penn State
Carter is as twitchy and sudden as any player at any position in this year’s draft.
The Penn State star finished his three-year career in Happy Valley with 104 total tackles, 41 tackles for a loss, and 23 sacks. Carter (6-3, 251 pounds) is an athletic freak with a 4.48 forty-yard dash, 4.35 short shuttle, 10-7 broad jump, and 350-pound power clean. This athleticism coupled with an explosive first step and incredible bend around the corner make him scary for offensive tackles.
Below is a look at a sack for Carter using a ghost rush against USC from this past season. Carter has incredible explosion and bend around the corner.
Areas of concern
At just 251 pounds, the biggest concern for Carter will be his ability to set the edge against the massive tackles at the NFL level. The best way to attack an elite pass rusher is to run the football directly at them and force them to stop the run. Carter will need to continue to gain functional strength and prove he can hold up against guys who could outweigh him by more than 100 pounds.
Below is a look a Carter getting moved off his spot as he in the Penn State loss to the Buckeyes.
Abdul Carter must continue to work his functional strength. At only 251 pounds, Carter will be challenged in the run game directly at him. pic.twitter.com/zzWhm0s1o1
— Lance Reisland (Coach Riz) (@LanceReisland) February 11, 2025
Fit for the Browns
The idea of Garrett on one side and Carter on the other would make it very uncomfortable for offensive coordinators. If Garrett is no longer in Cleveland, Carter then becomes the focal point and the anchor of the defensive line for years.
What we learned
The Browns are at a crossroads with their roster as the draft approaches. If they feel like they’re just a quarterback away from competing for a playoff spot or a Super Bowl, they’ll likely focus on finding a young, talented quarterback who they feel can get them over the top.
But if they believe the team needs a full rebuild, the focus will shift to stockpiling picks and building up the roster. For me, Graham, Hunter, and Carter are the best players in this draft and future NFL stars.
