Mel Kiper, draft expert for ESPN, has the Cleveland Browns passing on a quarterback for arguably the best player in the draft.

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

Longtime ESPN and college football analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first mock draft of the 2025 NFL draft season. In the mock, he has the Browns selecting the reigning Heisman winner.

Cleveland Browns: “Take a QB or trade back,” asks ESPN’s Jason Reid. “That's the Browns' dilemma. Likely stuck with Deshaun Watson's contract until 2026, the smart play would be to draft a QB while also signing a veteran through free agency.”

Of their picks in the final five rounds in the draft, only James Hudson III and Tony Fields II were on the roster in 2024. Hudson was the last of those players to play with the Browns, playing until Week 4 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

If the Cleveland Browns do not draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter has become a fan favorite in the 2025 NFL draft. Pro Football Network’s Dalton Miller released his latest 2025 NFL mock draft,

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up to dominate next season. See which top-tier pass rusher they're eyeing in the latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft.

The Cleveland Browns have to replace a few defensive linemen this offseason and this year’s NFL Draft class is loaded with excellent options for Andrew Berry and Co. to choose from. The Browns are currently expected to have three defensive linemen hit free agency once the new league year begins in March,