In 2020, Kevin Stefanski took over as the Browns’ HC. He led the team to a winning season after 13 long seasons. It was in 2007 that Cleveland had a winning season under then-HC Romeo Crennel. Under Stefanski’s first year, the team finished 11-5. Not only that, but the Browns won their first playoff game since 1994. They beat the Steelers in the Wild Card Round but eventually lost to Kansas City in the AFC Divisional Round. After that, for two seasons, Cleveland could not have a winning season. In 2023, they made it to the playoffs again, losing to the Texans.

But the latest season was Coach Stefanski’s worst over his 5-year career. Cleveland could scrape only 3 wins, finishing last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record. So, this offseason, GM Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski have a lot of loopholes to fix. But the good thing for them is that they’ve got plenty of picks in this year’s draft. The Browns have the No. 2 overall pick and three picks on the second day of the draft. On the final day, they hold a whopping six picks, meaning they have a huge opportunity to bring in new talent. Cleveland could even trade some of their picks if they want to. It would be interesting to see if they do. For now, we’re assuming the Browns brass use all their picks and spend six of them on the D-line. And GM Andrew Berry also drafts another QB for the long term. 

Here’s a mock draft predicting Cleveland’s picks for this year.

First-Round Pick (No. 2 overall)- CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

The Titans will most likely go with Cam Ward to address their QB needs. The Browns also need someone at that position, but they won’t pass on 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. No team would waste a second getting Hunter on board if they got the chance. Coach Stefanski, with Hunter, could address needs on both sides of the ball. After all, he had his best ever season in 2024 with 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, and 15 touchdowns. The Colorado star plays both as a WR and CB, so Cleveland wouldn’t want to miss that opportunity. It’s highly likely that with Cam Ward going as the No. 1 pick, Travis will go second overall, joining the Browns roster.

Second-Round Pick (No. 33 overall) – QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

On April 11, Andrew Berry brought back Super Bowl XLVII winner Joe Flacco for the second time. They’d signed him back in 2023 after Deshaun Watson had to exit the season due to a season-ending injury. Last year, Flacco moved to the Colts, signing a one-year deal. Now, once again, he’s back on the Browns’ roster on a $4 million deal. So, yes, fans would want the team to pick a QB in the first round. And the GM knows about the pressing need for a QB quite well. 

It’s just that he might pick one in the second round and bring on board Alabama’s QB Jalen Milroe. The 22-year-old had a spectacular season, racking up 2,844 passing yards and 726 rushing yards. Milroe ended his season with 35 TDs and won the William V. Campbell Trophy. Given an opportunity, he could suit up well for the Browns’ QB needs.

Third-Round Pick (No. 67 overall) – OT, Anthony Belton, NC State

North Carolina State’s Anthony Belton stands at 6’6’’ and weighs 336 lbs. The offensive tackle has good arm length and can clear the path for running backs. In the 2024 season, Anthony played in 12 games, starting in 11. He has made 31 starts in total for North Carolina at the left tackle position. 

Belton, out of 438 plays, only gave up 3 sacks and 14 pressures. He had a spectacular 2024 season, and Cleveland could use him to bolster their offense.

Third-Round Pick (No. 94 overall) – RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State

RB Nick Chubb has been dealing with injuries for some time now, so it would make sense for the team to sign a running back in the early rounds. Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo had a successful last season, racking up 1,711 total yards and 21 touchdowns. Cleveland can place him behind Jerome Ford for the time being. The team needs depth at the RB position to support their run-heavy offense, and Skattebo could offer just that.

Fourth Round Pick (No. 104 overall) – Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

20-year-old TE from Bowling Green, Harold Fannin Jr., is one of the best the school has seen at that position in a long time. Cleveland needs weapons on both sides of the ball. If they draft Harold, Kevin Stefanski can pair him up with David Njoku. The 20-year-old has slid down the draft boards in the recent couple of days, so Cleveland could get a shot at picking him in the fourth round. In his last season, Harold was awarded MAC MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.

Sixth Round Pick (No. 179 overall) – Edge Que Robinson, Alabama

Que Robinson is an edge rusher for Alabama and is ranked 119th by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Just look at his last season stats, where he recorded 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss over 246 defensive snaps. According to PFF, Robinson is an intriguing prospect with great physical traits, including impressive burst and length. “His burst and length are NFL-caliber, but he must diversify his pass-rush wins to be seen as a consistent starter or rotational pass-rusher, likely for 3-4 schemes that let him rush from a stand-up alignment,” PFF writes.

Sixth Round Pick (No. 192 overall) – WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn

Cleveland has acquired the No. 192 pick from the Dolphins. The team can draft Auburn’s WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith with this pick. Seahawks’ Kam Chancellor is KeAndre’s uncle. The 22-year-old is an intriguing option who has recorded 50 receptions for 981 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 19.6 yards per catch in the last season. KeAndre might not look like an immediate star for now, but the Browns need offensive weapons. If they develop him, Lambert-Smith could be a low-risk, high-reward addition.

Sixth Round Pick (No. 200 overall): LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State’s linebacker, Nick Martin, led the Big 12 Conference in tackles, solo tackles, and tackles per game, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2023. Nick had to miss half of the 2024 season due to an injury, but his performance at the Scouting Combine received positive reviews. His impressive showing caught the attention of Cincy, who scheduled a private visit with him.

Sixth Round Pick (No. 216 overall) – LB Carson Bruener, Washington

Washington’s LB Carson Bruener could be Cleveland’s sixth-round pick. While players in the later rounds aren’t typically high profile, they still have the potential to add depth to the roster. And if 2024 season stats (104 total tackles, including 60 solo tackles, 3 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble over 13 games) are anything to go by, then there is some promise there. Carson has a strong defensive presence, and Coach Kevin Stefanski could even utilize him on special teams.

Seventh Round Pick (No. 255 overall) – DT, Nash Hutmacher, Nebraska

Cleveland’s seventh-round pick (projected compensatory pick, No. 255 overall) could be Nebraska’s DT Nash Hutmacher. While seventh-round picks typically have less fanfare, Hutmacher has the potential to provide depth on the defensive line. Along with football, Nash also has wrestling and track and field experience on his resume. In the 2024 season, Nash started all 13 games, recording 24 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.

So, Cleveland has plenty of opportunity to fix their roster. Yes, they cannot just use all the picks and bring in rookies. Kevin Stefanski and the front office will have to play smart, using picks for trade options and more.