Ranking the 2025 Browns rookies on their potential impact
Ranking the 2025 Browns rookies on their potential impact
The Cleveland Browns draft class is expected to play substantial roles in the 2025 regular season, even both quarterbacks.
The Browns came away with seven talented playmakers who, of course, come with high expectations from fans. The majority of the Browns' draft class is projected to start or have a significant role in the game plan on regular season Sundays. For each player, the opportunity to showcase their potential will more than likely arise at some point during their rookie season.
Now, let's rank the Browns' rookies based on who could make the biggest impact in their first NFL season:
1. Quinshon Judkins
The Browns' early second-round selection is expected to be the starting running back when Week 1 arrives. With fan favorite Nick Chubb not returning, the team appears to have full confidence in Judkins and fellow rookie running back, fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson.
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, it's clear the Browns intend to redevelop their rushing attack. In 2024, the team totaled just 1,608 rushing yards and averaged 4.1 yards per carry, both bottom five in the NFL. Judkins is expected to be heavily involved in the Browns' offense starting in Week 1.
2. Carson Schwesinger
Next up among those expected to make a strong impact is second-round pick, linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The former UCLA Bruin was highly regarded in the Browns' draft room and was selected with the 33rd overall pick. He left mandatory OTAs with an impressive showing that demonstrated his potential as a starting linebacker.
Schwesinger brings an impressive résumé, totaling 163 tackles, five sacks, and a nomination for the Butkus Award. With the departure of defensive star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the rookie is expected to be the Day 1 starter at weakside linebacker.
3. Mason Graham
There hasn't been much hype around rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham, but expectations for him are very high. The Browns' decision to boost the defensive line with the fifth overall pick brings immediate pressure from both the franchise and the fanbase. Barring injury, Graham will start at right defensive tackle in Week 1.
The defensive line — and Graham specifically — also face heightened expectations due to the recent extension of All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. While Graham may not become the NFL sack leader, he's expected to be a productive run defender early in his career. With two major offseason moves on the defensive front, major improvements are anticipated.
4. Shedeur Sanders / Dillon Gabriel
You could make a strong argument that both of the Browns' rookie quarterbacks deserve the top spot. Despite their draft positions, all eyes are on Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to make a positive impact in 2025. Many fans are hopeful that at least one of these rookies will emerge as a capable starter during the regular season.
If either of them becomes a viable starter for the Browns, the impact could be enormous. However, they rank lower here due to the competition they face from veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Both rookies have a battle ahead before earning regular-season snaps with the starting offense. Until then, their primary goal is to win the starting quarterback job.
5. Harold Fannin Jr.
One of the better performances from OTAs that has flown under the radar came from third-round pick, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The former Bowling Green Falcon was one of the most versatile playmakers in college football last season, leading the nation with 1,555 receiving yards. He also brings much-needed depth and versatility to the Browns' tight end room.
It's hard to judge players solely from OTAs, but support for Fannin Jr. only grew throughout camp. The rookie tight end appeared in great shape and showed reliable hands with minimal drops in various videos on Twitter/X. With head coach Kevin Stefanski known for utilizing two-tight end sets, excitement around Fannin Jr.'s potential continues to build.
6. Dylan Sampson
After surprisingly slipping to the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns doubled down on revamping the running back room. Dylan Sampson is an explosive back who has looked healthy, quick, and hardworking at the start of his NFL career. He's coming off an impressive college season, tallying 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns for the College Football Playoff-bound Tennessee Volunteers.
While Sampson will have to earn his touches, he is expected to have a significant role in the Browns' run game. The team clearly values fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, but a two-headed rushing attack — something the Browns ran successfully in 2020 — could be in play again.
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