The Browns have a glaring need that NFL mock drafts keep overlooking: Ashley Bastock

Wed Mar 26 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Browns’ QB Quandary Ignored in Mock Drafts

**CLEVELAND, OH** – While most NFL mock drafts predict the Cleveland Browns will select a defensive player with their number two overall pick, Cleveland.com’s John Kuntz argues this overlooks the team’s glaring need: a starting quarterback.

Despite Deshaun Watson’s injury and the recent acquisition of Kenny Pickett, the Browns’ quarterback situation remains precarious. Pickett, while given a chance to compete, is considered unlikely to be a full-time starter. This leaves the Browns needing at least two more quarterbacks, including a rookie.

Many mock drafts justify overlooking the QB position by citing the possibility of signing a veteran free agent (now unlikely after Russell Wilson signed with the Giants) or relying on free agency in general. However, Kuntz argues the team should utilize their high draft pick to secure a promising rookie quarterback.

While popular mock drafts favor Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter for the Browns at pick number two, Kuntz suggests the team should seriously consider quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), or Tyler Shough (Louisville). He points out that if Sanders is considered worthy of the number three pick (as many mocks suggest for the Giants), he should be a strong contender for the Browns at number two.

The author highlights the irony of mock drafts predicting the Giants will draft a quarterback at pick three, while leaving the Browns’ quarterback need unaddressed. Kuntz suggests that even if the Browns don’t want Sanders, they should leverage their position to potentially trade down and acquire assets, rather than neglecting their critical quarterback need entirely.

Ultimately, Kuntz concludes that the Browns’ apparent lack of focus on a quarterback in the mock drafts may be a strategic maneuver to mask their true intentions before the draft. However, their actions suggest a significant investment in a rookie quarterback is likely in their near future.

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