With the season at the midway point, it is a good time to take stock of the decisions made that have led to a 2-6 record thus far. The draft is one of those areas where it is essential to reflect on the selections
made and determine if anything could have been done differently.
In the 2025 draft, the Cleveland Browns chose to trade down to the fifth pick and select defensive tackle Mason Graham. While Graham has had an impressive rookie season and has made an impact on the defense, there are several other major issues with the Browns’ roster. Even though Graham is a great player, an asset at a different position may have been able to make a much greater impact on the result this season.
It has become increasingly clear that Cleveland does not have a true WR1 on this roster. Jerry Jeudy is currently the team’s leading receiver with just 257 yards. He has struggled to connect with either Joe Flacco or Dillon Gabriel and continues to play a limited role in the Browns’ game plan. The first round pick in the draft may have been better spent on bringing in a receiver who could make a real difference in the passing game.
The Cleveland offensive line has also struggled greatly this season. This group is aging and continues to battle multiple injuries. A big part of the offensive struggles this season has been due to the inconsistent play of this group. It is certainly another area where the team should’ve considered bringing in some young talent.
The Browns’ rookie class has been very impressive as a group, but it’s a good reminder that needing a specific position can oftentimes outweigh other factors in the draft.
Let me know what you think in the comments – Should the Browns have done something else with their first pick in the 2025 draft? What position should they have addressed?
