Where did the Browns rank on ESPN’s NFL rookie class list? Cleveland nearly takes #1 spot originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns 5-12 season didn't go as planned, but the future has never looked brighter. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz officially ranked the Browns rookie class second in the NFL, trailing only the New Orleans Saints.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCleveland's first-year players made histroy. They became the first team since 1970 to have rookies lead the roster in passing (Shedeur Sanders), rushing (Quinshon Judkins), receiving (Harold Fannin Jr.), and tackles (Carson Schwesinger). Judkins and Fannin also tied for most total touchdowns with seven.
Here's a complete breakdown of GM Andrew Berry's work:
Cleveland Browns 2025 Rookie Class
Pick (Overall)
Player
Position
College
1 (5)
Mason Graham
DT
Michigan
2 (33)
Carson Schwesinger
LB
UCLA
2 (36)
Quinshon Judkins
RB
Ohio State
3 (67)
Harold Fannin Jr.
TE
Bowling Green
3 (94)
Dillon Gabriel
QB
Oregon
4 (126)
Dylan Sampson
RB
Tennessee
5 (144)
Shedeur Sanders
QB
Colorado
UDFA
Adin Huntington
DT
Tulane
UDFA
Isaiah Bond
WR
Texas
More: ESPN Insider: Current NFL coach is ‘75% favorite’ for Browns job
Let's take a closer look at the good and the bad from this 2025 group.
The Good: The crown jewel of the draft class is undeniably second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite was a tackling machine, racking up 156, as well as 2.5 sacks and 2.0 interceptions. Schatz noted that Schwesinger was "in a league of his own," while first-round DT Mason Graham grew into a strong interior anchor, ranking top-10 in the league for run-stop win rate.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn offensive side of the ball, Harold Fannin Jr. was a revelation at tight end with his bulldog like demeanor to always earn tough extra yards after the catch.
The Bad: It wasn't all perfect. While Shedeur Sanders flashed elite potential--becoming the first rookie since Joe Burrow to post a 350/3/1 stat line--ESPN noted his production "did not knock it out of the park" consistently. Sanders struggled behind an injury-plagued O-line, finishing with more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7) over his seven starts.
The draft pick QB taken two rounds ahead of Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, was a non-factor when it came to moving the ball during his six starts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Verdict; Despite the "bad" quarterback play overall, the sheer volume of production from this rookie class is undeniable. The draft crop filled four starting spots and can be the foundation upon which a new head coach can build up from. As Schatz put it, this draft "can turn a franchise around."
Browns fans desperately hope that is true.
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