Browns 2025 draft picks - profiles by Dane Brugler....with UDFA's
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Quinshon Judkins - RB - Ohio State
Strengths
Well-built, compact back with rocked-up quads
Displays both balance and run strength, making it a chore for defenders to get him on ground
Won’t slow into contact and never had a run he didn’t finish
Has vision to find crease or cutback
Good backfield feet with plant-and-go acceleration to build up immediate momentum
Aggressively attacks designed inside run lane with goal of hitting second level at top speed
Serviceable pass catcher and reliable in screen game
Terrific ball security for back who seeks out contact (only one fumble in past two seasons)
Finished with 50 career touchdowns and became only player in Ole Miss history with 17 total touchdowns or more in a season (did it twice)
Above-average rushing production in both SEC and Big Ten (needed only two seasons to rank top three in all-time rushing yards at Ole Miss)
Durable — didn’t miss a game past three seasons
Weaknesses
More quick and decisive than truly explosive
Lacks getaway gear to speed away from pursuit in open field
Overeager at line with inconsistent pace and patience
Needs to be choosier when picking lanes
Inconsistent in pass protection and struggles to stay square; stagnant feet and mistimed hand strikes
Didn’t play on special teams in college
Plenty of mileage on the odometer (799 career touches in college, more than 500 touches in high school)
A one-year starter at Ohio State, Judkins shared running back duties in former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s diverse run game (gap/zone, pin-pulls, counters, etc.). He had one of the best two-year rushing stretches in SEC history while at Ole Miss. He then transferred to Columbus, Ohio, for the 2024 season and surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the third straight year. He joined Ohio State because he wanted to win a national title, and he helped pay off that goal with three touchdowns in a championship-game victory over Notre Dame.
Judkins has quick eyes and footwork to react to the blocking geometry, although he often runs like he is starving and must balance his aggressive style with improved patience before attacking the line of scrimmage. His best traits are his play strength and the run toughness to drop his pads, barrel through heavy contact and come out the other side. Overall, Judkins isn’t as dynamic as other backs in this class, but he is an “attitude” runner with the quickness, vision and violence to be a productive lead option in an NFL backfield. He can help secure his spot on the depth chart by taking his passing-down responsibilities from serviceable to above average.
Grade: 2nd–3rd Round
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Thanks for the info.
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Harold Fannin Jr - TE - Bowling Green
Strengths
Straight-line explosiveness; plays with athletic urgency into routes
Uses speed to challenge defenses, vertically and horizontally
Run after catch was a key ingredient to his college success
Body quickness to manipulate space, which helps him get free or force missed tackles
Physical stiff arm with run balance to carry tacklers for extra yards
Secure hands catcher and comfortable playing through contact
Catches just about everything in catch radius, because of his adjustment skills
Nice range as a puller on sweeps/pitches or as a lead blocker on split zone or iso
Set almost every Bowling Green receiving record for a tight end
Dominated against MAC competition; also played at a high level vs. Penn State (11 catches, 137 yards, one TD) and Texas A&M (eight catches, 145 yards, one TD) in 2024
Moved all around in Bowling Green’s scheme (third-highest rate for lining up wide among all FBS tight ends in 2024)
Weaknesses
Lacks desired size for inline work
Duck-footed — often runs with feet often pointed outwards, which dulls route breaks
Route movements appear stiff and rigid, with excess limb waste
Physical defenders can too easily grind his momentum down at top of the route
Doesn’t have stout frame or body strength to consistently seal NFL ends
Inconsistent breaking down as a blocker in space
A two-year starter at Bowling Green, Fannin played the “A” tight end position in head coach Scot Loeffler’s pro-style spread offense, splitting his snaps between inline/wing (38.3 percent), slot (31.7 percent) and out wide (26.2 percent). In an offense designed to weaponize its tight end, Fannin transitioned from high school safety and had arguably the greatest tight end season in FBS history in 2024, setting single-season records for catches (117) and receiving yards (1,555). He became the first consensus All-American in Bowling Green history (and just the school’s second in any sport).
With his strong hands and urgent athleticism, Fannin is at his best as a pass catcher and shows a unique feel for creating as a ball carrier. He is still very young — and it shows, especially in his blocking and route running. Overall, Fannin is somewhat of an unconventional prospect. He is awkwardly athletic with stiff, restricting movements, but he plays with straight-line explosiveness, outstanding tracking skills and threatening run-after-catch ability. He fits best as a hybrid H or F tight end and offers three-down potential.
Grade: 3rd Round
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Dillon Gabriel - QB - Oregon
Strengths
Efficient lefty passer with quick-trigger release
Competes with veteran awareness, both in muddy pockets and in space
Shows outstanding feel to patiently sort through rush, elude pressure and buy time
Foot quickness allows for sudden resets with base and mechanics
Keeps eyes downfield and doesn’t panic when locating secondary progressions
Doesn’t have power arm but spins tight, accurate spirals in short to intermediate game
Excellent touch on deep bucket throws, especially over middle of field on post routes
Nifty escapability — will take advantage of free yards
Intensely competitive; his teammates say he brings same infectious energy each day (NFL scout: “The coaches say he is obsessed with winning.”)
Highly respected teammate; hosted Airbnb bonding retreats for teammates (drives same Chrysler Pacifica van he’s had for years, partly because it has room for his family and teammates)
Incredible career production; started more games (63) than any other quarterback in FBS history
Weaknesses
Short stature with smaller hands and maxed-out build
Deep throws outside numbers often lose life, requiring receivers to slow strides
Struggles to add zip — lack of arm strength shows on the move or with limited foot space
Average anticipation — more a “see it” decision-maker
Quick game and checkdowns helped inflate completion percentage
Trouble recognizing underneath defenders, especially in red zone (four of six interceptions in 2024 came in goal-to-go situations)
Will turn 25 as a rookie
Missed game against Texas first season at Oklahoma because of concussion (Oct. 2022); missed final 10 games of final season at UCF with broken left clavicle (Sept. 2021)
A one-year starter at Oregon, Gabriel was a productive passer in offensive coordinator Will Stein’s balanced spread scheme (51 percent pass to 49 percent run). After three seasons at UCF and two at Oklahoma, he led the Ducks to a 13-1 record and 2024 Big Ten Championship, winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting. With six years of college football and 63 starts under his belt, he set the FBS record with 189 total touchdowns (155 passing, 33 rushing, one receiving) and ranks No. 2 all-time in passing yards (18,722).
A point guard-style quarterback, Gabriel is willing to scan from the pocket and deliver accurate balls with a twitchy release, although he is often too willing to bypass tight windows and settle for the checkdown. He isn’t an electric athlete by any means, but he is very poised and confident and plays with exceptional feel for navigating pressure to create second-chance plays. Overall, Gabriel looks small in the pocket and has some limitations as a downfield thrower, but he is a rhythm passer with the football instincts and mature intangibles to overcome his physical shortcomings. A savvy lefty with a quick release, he has similarities to Tua Tagovailoa — and has a fighting chance to earn a backup role in the NFL.
Grade: 4th Round
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If he can't throw the deep out in the NFL he'll be toast...
that is what I wondered with reading about him not having a big arm, but:
Dillon Gabriel has become one of college football's best at the deep throws ... Deep balls to Evan Stewart for 49, 69, and 67 yards have added another level of attack to the Ducks' potent offense ... -
Looking forward to the write-ups of Sampson and Sanders
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Dylan Sampson - RB - Tennessee
Strengths
Loves to play fast and displays electricity with ball in his hands
Can turn the corner and race down sideline
Natural feel for following pullers on counter runs
Will press zone runs before using light feet to shake laterally (wears No. 6 because he models his game after Alvin Kamara)
Accelerates into second-level contact with balance to spin out of defender’s grasp
Makes sharp speed cuts and weaves to avoid getting squared up
Fights for every yard — consistently gets more than expected
High-energy personality (Tennessee coach Josh Heupel: “He’s grown into somebody who has a great voice. He’s truly a strong leader for us.”)
Nose for the paint — scored 36 touchdowns in 35 games (school record with at least one TD in 11 straight games)
Carried Vols’ offense in 2024, breaking single-season rushing touchdown record that had stood for 95 years
Weaknesses
Has some muscularity but frame is lighter than desired for the position
Not a powerful runner, inside or downhill
Adequate run patience as he searches for daylight but could use better anticipation to hit hole as it comes open
Adequate hands as receiver but will fight the ball at times (two drops on 25 targets in 2024)
More than willing in pass pro but technique and eyes need to improve
Extra fight as runner gives defenders extra chances to swipe ball (four fumbles in 2024)
Didn’t play on special teams in college and doesn’t have return experience
Missed almost all his final game against Ohio State with strained left hamstring (Dec. 2024)
A one-year starter at Tennessee, Sampson was a prolific runner in head coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo, multiple-run scheme (exclusively one-back sets in the gun). After serving as a backup behind Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small for two seasons, he emerged as SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 (averaged 131.4 rushing yards per game in SEC play), setting school-records for rushing yards (1,491) and rushing touchdowns (22) in a season.
Although it looks chaotic at times when he plays in overdrive, Sampson runs with urgent speed getting through the first wave, and his sharp lateral cuts open up the field. He isn’t powerful, but he runs with outstanding competitiveness and averaged a touchdown every 12.1 carries in college. Overall, Sampson is undersized by NFL standards and his inconsistent tempo gets him in trouble, but he is equal parts fast, physical and slippery as a runner and shows promise as a pass catcher. He can have a Tony Pollard-like impact for an NFL backfield.
Grade: 2nd–3rd Round
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Shedeur Sanders - QB - Colorado
Strengths
Throws with strong, balanced base and clean stroke
Polished mechanics help translate to consistent accuracy (led FBS with 74 percent completion rate in 2024)
Leads receivers well on crossers/digs/outs (good feel for touch on those routes)
Some of best throws on tape came as scrambler on the move
Throws really well in rhythm in RPO/quick game
Smart and savvy in decision-making process
Takes care of football and limits turnover-worthy attempts
Makes quick, subtle movements in pocket to navigate and work around the noise
Stands in face of pressure; no one is questioning his toughness (frequently had rushers in his lap behind poor offensive line in college)
Willing runner to scamper for sticks when defense gives it to him
36-14 record as starter in college (23-3 at Jackson State, 13-11 at Colorado)
Ice water flows through veins in late-game situations
Doesn’t lack for confidence and teammates praise his leadership
Weaknesses
Not quick-twitch passer and ball doesn’t explode off his hand
Average arm strength — throws have more arc than zip
Mediocre size; didn’t get his father’s speed or explosiveness
Needlessly backpedals, drifts and takes extra hitches in pocket (possible scar tissue from playing behind bad line)
Holds ball excessively long and put too many “you can’t take that sack!” plays on tape
Ability to buy time in pocket will become much more difficult versus NFL speed
Gets ultra-conservative and timing of play design gets away from him at times
Wish he put more anticipatory throws on tape
Feasted on quick throws, which inflated completion percentage (28.3 percent of completions in 2024 were screens)
A two-year starter at Colorado, Sanders produced at a high level in offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s RPO-based scheme. After finishing 1-11 in 2022, the Buffs had a winning record (13-11) over the past two seasons in games started by Sanders, who set school single-season records for passing yards (4,134), passing touchdowns (37) and total touchdowns (41).
Although not close to the athlete his father was, Sanders is a controlled, polished passer who gets the ball out accurately in structure and when throwing on the move. He is a cool customer, and his high completion percentage reflects his steady heartbeat. However, he benefited from a high volume of screens and checkdowns (just 23.7 percent of his completions the past two seasons were on throws over 10 yards). The chief concern on his college tape is his inconsistent pocket feel, which was highlighted by poor protection — he will climb and maneuver on some plays, then drift or retreat on others, vastly lowering his success rate. Overall, Sanders doesn’t have the physical traits to get away with some of his decisions, but he is a poised, rhythmic passer when he stays true to his skill set, and he shows the necessary touch and confidence of an NFL starter. He fits best in a timing-based offense.
Grade: 1st–2nd Round
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If he can't throw the deep out in the NFL he'll be toast...
that is what I wondered with reading about him not having a big arm, but:
Dillon Gabriel has become one of college football's best at the deep throws ... Deep balls to Evan Stewart for 49, 69, and 67 yards have added another level of attack to the Ducks' potent offense ... -
Of all the players we drafted this year I am most excited about adding TE Fannin, Jr. After he kept Bowling Green within reach of wins over both OSU and A&M, that should tell you how valuable he is going to be to our offense. Don't get me wrong, I love both the RBs who are both described as having vision. But to run Steph's two TE offense, he's a key and is one great player/athlete. Gonna be a fun year.
BTW-I wonder if he is related to Fannin, Jr. of Goliad. Figure that one out you historians. LOL!?
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Of all the players we drafted this year I am most excited about adding TE Fannin, Jr. After he kept Bowling Green within reach of wins over both OSU and A&M, that should tell you how valuable he is going to be to our offense. Don't get me wrong, I love both the RBs who are both described as having vision. But to run Steph's two TE offense, he's a key and is one great player/athlete. Gonna be a fun year.
BTW-I wonder if he is related to Fannin, Jr. of Goliad. Figure that one out you historians. LOL!?
Of all the players we drafted this year I am most excited about adding TE Fannin, Jr. After he kept Bowling Green within reach of wins over both OSU and A&M, that should tell you how valuable he is going to be to our offense. Don't get me wrong, I love both the RBs who are both described as having vision. But to run Steph's two TE offense, he's a key and is one great player/athlete. Gonna be a fun year.
BTW-I wonder if he is related to Fannin, Jr. of Goliad. Figure that one out you historians. LOL!?
He's my guy too.... He may just give Chief a run for his snaps too.... It's gonna be fun watching defenses try and contain them....
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In previous years the Browns have brought in some UDFA's that had write ups on them because Brugler had them rated as higher than FA prospects
So far all those on the list below were ranked as FA's so there is nothing to report....
Cleveland Browns
- Donovan McMillan, S, Pittsburgh
- Jason Ivey, OT, North Carolina A&T
- Lamareon James, CB, TCU
- Adin Huntington, DT, Tulane
- Dom Jones, CB, Colorado State
- Brent Matiscik, LS, TCU
- Dartanyan Tinsely, OL, Cincinnati
- Eli Wilson, TE, Appalachian State
- Ahmani Marshall, RB, Appalachian State
- Gage Larvadain, WR, South Carolina
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I'm really intrigued - with Harold Fannin as the TE pick ! Fannin is a bit shorter - 6'3", a bit lighter, but he is so much like Warren it's amazing.
Warren forty time 4.56
Fannin forty time 4.7
What is really cool is this:
"Fannin Jr. is having an incredible season from a production standpoint. He aligns in multiple positions for Bowling Green's offense—as the h-back, in the backfield, outside, in the slot, in bunch, and stacked sets. Fannin Jr. brings a strong pass-catching skill set to an NFL offense. He runs good routes against zone and off-man coverages. With good stems, body control, and play strength, he gets open routinely. He does a good job attacking angles and leverages against defenders, giving him cushion/playing from depth.
Fannin Jr. is a three-layer threat in the passing game, effectively impacting the game as a quick/short, intermediate, and downfield receiver.
He has displayed outstanding hands when targeted. He plucks the ball from the air with supreme confidence and plays well through contact at the catch point. Fannin Jr. has two drops on 171 targets throughout his career. He is a hassle to bring down once the football is in his possession. He is strong after the catch and can force missed tackles singled up in space with a defender.
As a blocker, Fannin Jr. is effective in both the run and passing games. He cuts off access points to the ball carrier well by using his body to wall off defenders. He possesses good and functional arm length to lock out at the point of attack. Fannin Jr. blocks well from h-back alignment on split flow concepts, in space as a lead blocker, and climbing to pick off defenders on the perimeter."
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I'm really intrigued - with Harold Fannin as the TE pick ! Fannin is a bit shorter - 6'3", a bit lighter, but he is so much like Warren it's amazing.
Warren forty time 4.56
Fannin forty time 4.7
What is really cool is this:
"Fannin Jr. is having an incredible season from a production standpoint. He aligns in multiple positions for Bowling Green's offense—as the h-back, in the backfield, outside, in the slot, in bunch, and stacked sets. Fannin Jr. brings a strong pass-catching skill set to an NFL offense. He runs good routes against zone and off-man coverages. With good stems, body control, and play strength, he gets open routinely. He does a good job attacking angles and leverages against defenders, giving him cushion/playing from depth.
Fannin Jr. is a three-layer threat in the passing game, effectively impacting the game as a quick/short, intermediate, and downfield receiver.
He has displayed outstanding hands when targeted. He plucks the ball from the air with supreme confidence and plays well through contact at the catch point. Fannin Jr. has two drops on 171 targets throughout his career. He is a hassle to bring down once the football is in his possession. He is strong after the catch and can force missed tackles singled up in space with a defender.
As a blocker, Fannin Jr. is effective in both the run and passing games. He cuts off access points to the ball carrier well by using his body to wall off defenders. He possesses good and functional arm length to lock out at the point of attack. Fannin Jr. blocks well from h-back alignment on split flow concepts, in space as a lead blocker, and climbing to pick off defenders on the perimeter."
I'm really intrigued - with Harold Fannin as the TE pick ! Fannin is a bit shorter - 6'3", a bit lighter, but he is so much like Warren it's amazing.
Warren forty time 4.56
Fannin forty time 4.7
What is really cool is this:
"Fannin Jr. is having an incredible season from a production standpoint. He aligns in multiple positions for Bowling Green's offense—as the h-back, in the backfield, outside, in the slot, in bunch, and stacked sets. Fannin Jr. brings a strong pass-catching skill set to an NFL offense. He runs good routes against zone and off-man coverages. With good stems, body control, and play strength, he gets open routinely. He does a good job attacking angles and leverages against defenders, giving him cushion/playing from depth.
Fannin Jr. is a three-layer threat in the passing game, effectively impacting the game as a quick/short, intermediate, and downfield receiver.
He has displayed outstanding hands when targeted. He plucks the ball from the air with supreme confidence and plays well through contact at the catch point. Fannin Jr. has two drops on 171 targets throughout his career. He is a hassle to bring down once the football is in his possession. He is strong after the catch and can force missed tackles singled up in space with a defender.
As a blocker, Fannin Jr. is effective in both the run and passing games. He cuts off access points to the ball carrier well by using his body to wall off defenders. He possesses good and functional arm length to lock out at the point of attack. Fannin Jr. blocks well from h-back alignment on split flow concepts, in space as a lead blocker, and climbing to pick off defenders on the perimeter."
All the things he did against OSU and A&M, so he can do them against high level defenses. He was the most impressive player against us that I saw all of last year.
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I'm really intrigued - with Harold Fannin as the TE pick ! Fannin is a bit shorter - 6'3", a bit lighter, but he is so much like Warren it's amazing.
Warren forty time 4.56
Fannin forty time 4.7
What is really cool is this:
"Fannin Jr. is having an incredible season from a production standpoint. He aligns in multiple positions for Bowling Green's offense—as the h-back, in the backfield, outside, in the slot, in bunch, and stacked sets. Fannin Jr. brings a strong pass-catching skill set to an NFL offense. He runs good routes against zone and off-man coverages. With good stems, body control, and play strength, he gets open routinely. He does a good job attacking angles and leverages against defenders, giving him cushion/playing from depth.
Fannin Jr. is a three-layer threat in the passing game, effectively impacting the game as a quick/short, intermediate, and downfield receiver.
He has displayed outstanding hands when targeted. He plucks the ball from the air with supreme confidence and plays well through contact at the catch point. Fannin Jr. has two drops on 171 targets throughout his career. He is a hassle to bring down once the football is in his possession. He is strong after the catch and can force missed tackles singled up in space with a defender.
As a blocker, Fannin Jr. is effective in both the run and passing games. He cuts off access points to the ball carrier well by using his body to wall off defenders. He possesses good and functional arm length to lock out at the point of attack. Fannin Jr. blocks well from h-back alignment on split flow concepts, in space as a lead blocker, and climbing to pick off defenders on the perimeter."
All the things he did against OSU and A&M, so he can do them against high level defenses. He was the most impressive player against us that I saw all of last year.
All the things he did against OSU and A&M, so he can do them against high level defenses. He was the most impressive player against us that I saw all of last year.
Penn State, not Ohio State.
But you are right on TexAg. He gave both high profile teams fits.
I feel pretty confident that the Browns five non-QB picks are all going to contribute for the foreseeable future.
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