Stefanski’s Draft Strategy Revealed: Browns’ Coach Targets Deshaun Watson’s Replacement and…
The Cleveland Browns are a fascinating team to look at over the next few months.
They have an albatross of a contract with quarterback Deshaun Watson and injuries plagued the team throughout the 2024 season. Despite all of that, the Browns have remained competitive throughout the season, but they have been eliminated from the playoffs.
What could an NFL Draft class for the Browns end up looking like? We took a look at a full seven-round mock draft. It should be noted that Andrew Berry does have a tendency to draft players from power four schools, but the lack of overall talent in this class could see a shift in that way of thinking for one season.
7. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Browns need to find a succession plan at quarterback for Watson. They are still handcuffed by his contract but it shouldn’t stop the Browns from trying to find a succession plan.
Sanders is a really talented quarterback who throws a very accurate football. Bringing him in would allow Stefanski to mold the offense in his image, as you can do a lot with Sanders in the dropback and play-action game.
39. Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
The Browns need to fortify at offensive tackle badly, as Jedrick Wills just didn’t work out. Ideally, there would be a good clear-cut option at tackle, but the Browns take the best offensive lineman on the board in Mbow.
Most analysts see Mbow as a better fit on the interior, which could very well be the case. The Browns could try him at tackle and kick him inside down the line if need be.
71. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
The emergence of Jerry Jeudy has been huge for the Browns. He is finally living up to his first-round pick investment, even if he’s not on the Denver Broncos anymore.
With Cedric Tillman at X and Jeudy at Z, finding someone who can play in the slot and be versatile would be huge for the Browns. Horton can do a little bit of everything for you after being hyper-productive at both Nevada and Colorado State.
93. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
If Thomas was available in the third round, it’ll likely be a steal. He’s an aggressive player in press coverage who has flashed excellent ball skills. With Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome entering the final years of their contracts, having some depth at the position should be a priority.
There might not be a bigger hooper at the running back position than Neal. He’s been really good for the Jayhawks over the last few years. Neal can thrive in any offense as both a runner and a receiver with some pass-blocking chops. This running class is insanely deep, meaning you can wait until later to get a starter.
166. Seth McLaughlin, C, Ohio State
The offensive line has been a priority for the Browns since Stefanski took over as the head coach ahead of the 2020 season. They got a talented player in Mbow and McLaughlin could be a steal in the fifth round. He tore his Achilles a few weeks ago and that could force him to slip down the draft board. Give him a redshirt season and see if he can compete for a starting spot in 2026.
Special teams make special teams and there might not be a better player in this class on special teams. White has three punt blocks in his career and plays a significant amount of special teams at UNLV while being their number one receiver. He should be able to compete for playing time at receiver but will make his mark on special teams.
202. Jalen Catalon, S, UNLV
Catalon has been through the wringer. He started his career at Arkansas and was viewed as a potential top draft pick before transferring to Texas in 2023 and then UNLV in 2024. He has good ball skills and could be valuable on special teams.
205. Woody Marks, RB, USC
Marks is a talented player that was mainly used as a pass catcher during his time at Mississippi State. During his one season at USC, they used him as a runner for the first time and he showed the ability to thrive in that role. In a class like this, you can get steals late and adding two diverse running backs is a great idea.
You can never have too many pass rushers on your roster. Joyner is a twitchy pass rusher with insane length and a motor that doesn’t quit. He will need time to develop and grow, but you can afford to do just that with a sixth-round pick, especially when the traits are this good.
242. Brant Kuithe, TE, Utah
Kuithe is finally going to enter the NFL Draft. The seventh-year senior is more of an H-back style tight end with his size and that is something that Stefanski knows how to maximize. He’s an intriguing player to bring in this late in the NFL Draft, as Kuithe was once viewed as a top tight end prospect.
251. Cooper Mays, C, Tennesee
Taking another swing on the offensive line late is never a bad idea. Mays has offensive line in his blood with his dad Kevin having been an all-SEC guard and his brother Cade, who was a sixth-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2022. He needs to improve his overall play strength, but there is something to work with as a developmental player.
