If my mock draft 1.0 plays out, the Browns would have the draft's top-ranked QB fall into their hands at the No. 2 spot.
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Our first mock draft of the season breaks new ground.
For years, I was opposed to including trades because it’s too easy to manipulate a mock draft with trades. When I finally relented, I reserved only one mock draft in my series of mocks to include trades.
This is the first time I’ve started off my mock season with a trade, and it comes at the top of the round.
That’s because this trade – the Giants moving from No. 3 to No. 1 – just feels inevitable to me. It makes too much sense for both teams, as long as the Titans value adding picks over taking the top-ranked quarterback in the draft, which is where they’re at, I believe.
The only thing that would block a Giants trade to No. 1, in my opinion, is if another team out-bids them for the No. 1 pick. But I don't think Tennessee wants to fall too far down the round below No. 3.
The other reason I kicked off my mock draft series with a trade at the top is because it made for an easy pick for the Browns at No. 2. If Cam Ward isn't on the board at No. 2, I need more time to decide whom to choose for the Browns. Trade down would be a real option.
Our next mock will come after a week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis beginning Tuesday. Things will change in mock 2.0.
The biggest changes will occur when free agency begins on March 12. I’ve always said that mock drafts posted before free agency generally are fairly invalid. That’s because most teams use free agency to fill their most pressing needs, when applicable, and that affects their draft strategy.
One thing that will not change: I will include the Browns’ second pick, No. 33 overall, in all my mocks.
My final mock draft, posted on April 24, will serve as my official prediction of the first 33 picks of the draft.
Mock draft 1.0
1. ** TRADE ** N.Y. Giants: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
(Giants trade 2025 No. 3 overall + 2025 No. 65 overall + 2026 second-round pick to Titans for 2025 No. 1.)
Comment: Titans want to collect extra picks and Giants and Sanders are destined for each other.
2. Cleveland: QB Cam Ward, Miami
Comment: Smokescreen of interest in Sanders works to perfection and inspires Giants trade. Browns handed the draft’s top QB.
3. Tennessee: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Comment: He’s ideal for their 3-4 defensive system. Titans get the 'generational' player they wanted + two extra draft picks.
4. New England: CB-WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
Comment: Mike Vrabel has some experience with two-way players.
5. Jacksonville: DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Comment: Best difference-maker in defensive interior.
6. Las Vegas: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Comment: Raiders badly need a star offensive player.
7. N.Y. Jets: OT Will Campbell, LSU
Comment: They’ll get their starting QB in free agency.
8. Carolina: EDGE Jalen Walker, Georgia
Comment: Defensive help is top priority.
9. New Orleans: DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
Comment: Franchise end Cameron Jordan is 35 years old.
10. Chicago: OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
Comment: Must build protection in front of Caleb Williams.
11. San Francisco: OT Armend Membou, Missouri
12. Dallas: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
13. Miami: S Malarki Starks, Georgia
14. Indianapolis: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
15. Atlanta: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia
16. Arizona: EDGE Mike Green, Marshall
17. Cincinnati: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Comment: If Bengals retain all offensive stars, priority is on defense.
18. Seattle: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
19. Tampa Bay: WR Luther Burden, Missouri
20. Denver: TE Coleston Loveland, Michigan
21. Pittsburgh: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Comment: This might be the most likely pick of the first round.
22. L.A. Chargers: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
23. Green Bay: CB Shavon Revel, East Carolina
24. Minnesota: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
25. Houston: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
26. L.A. Rams: OT Kelvin Banks, Texas
27. Baltimore: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
Comment: If medicals check out, he takes over at left tackle.
28. Detroit: EDGE James Pearce, Tennessee
29. Washington: OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
30. Buffalo: DT Tyliek Williams, Ohio State
31. Kansas City: OL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
32. Philadelphia: EDGE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
33. Cleveland: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Comment: Browns make a commitment and concession to their long-lost running game.