Feb 25, 2025 - Sports

Browns could land future franchise quarterback in NFL Draft

Troy Smith

Cam Ward, quarterback for the University of Miami holds up his pointer finger after a play. — Cam Ward of the University of Miami. Photo: Ric Tapia/Getty Image

With the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select … a franchise quarterback?

Driving the news: ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. seems to think so.

He has the Browns selecting University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward in his latest mock draft.

State of play: The Browns' uncertainty at quarterback increased last month after starter Deshaun Watson reinjured his Achilles and may not be ready to play next season.

Watson has struggled since the Browns traded for him in 2022 and gave him a record contract.

The intrigue: Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist this past season and received the 2024 Davey O'Brien Award given to the best quarterback in the NCAA.

Yes, but: Mock drafts are just a guessing game. The Athletic predicts the Browns taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter.

CBS Sports has Cleveland selecting Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham.

What's next: The Browns will have a chance to evaluate talent at the NFL Scouting Combine, which starts Thursday in Indianapolis.

The NFL Draft takes place April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Browns could land future franchise quarterback in NFL Draft

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