The Cleveland Browns, sitting at 3-9, enter their Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with little left to salvage but pride and player development.

While they pulled off a divisional upset against the Steelers earlier this season, their offensive struggles remain evident.

Ranked No. 30 in rushing with just 87.3 yards per game, Cleveland’s ground game has failed to find its rhythm, even with the return of Nick Chubb. Complementing their struggles, the Browns hold the No. 13 passing attack, averaging 226.8 yards per game since Jameis Winston took over for the injured Deshaun Watson. Watson’s Achilles injury marked a significant setback, further emphasizing the team’s need to retool.

Analysts are already looking to the 2025 NFL Draft for answers. While Tankathon projects Cleveland selecting quarterback Quinn Ewers with the 39th overall pick in the second round, the draft board could shift dramatically depending on the Dallas Cowboys’ approach.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler predicts Dallas may skip over Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, widely regarded as the top collegiate running back, in favor of Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden II to strengthen their aerial attack. Should this scenario unfold, Jeanty could emerge as a prime candidate to revitalize Cleveland’s struggling ground game. However, other teams could step in for Jeanty and disrupt the opportunity.

But wait. Question 1: Is Jeanty really going to last until Round 2?

And Question 2: Are the Dallas Cowboys really going to allow him to slip? We bet eventually there will be buzz with predictions of Dallas wanting to trade up for the potential Heisman winner.

Currently, according to Spotrac, all three Browns running backs are set to hit free agency after the season, leaving a significant void in their roster. (Same thing, by the way, with Dallas’ top backs, led by Rico Dowdle.) If Dallas opts for Burden instead of Jeanty, Cleveland may have the opportunity to secure a premier playmaker in Jeanty and address their ground game woes.

As the Browns face off against their divisional rival this week, their focus remains on finding offensive balance. However, looking ahead, their draft decisions could be pivotal in determining their ability to compete in a stacked AFC North moving forward. … and a guy who would be a big help to them might also be coveted by “America’s Team.”