Following the beginning of free agency, draft experts and analysts stay split on direction for the Browns

Kelsey Russo

The initial wave of the 2025 NFL free agency period is over, and teams have begun the process of filling spots on their roster.

The Browns added depth to both their offensive and defensive lines, as they signed DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, DT Maliek Collins and OT Cornelius Lucas. They re-signed LB Devin Bush and added a quarterback in a trade with the Eagles, in which the Browns acquired QB Kenny Pickett in exchange for QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Teams will continue to add players sporadically over the course of the next few weeks, as well as continue their preparation for the draft. So, let's check in with draft experts and analysts on the outlook for the Browns at No. 2.

Mel Kiper Jr. ESPN

The pick:Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State

Analysis:While Kiper doesn't rule out the possibility of taking a quarterback, he considers the move the Browns made in trading for Pickett and the potential of a veteran quarterback to go another direction with the No. 2 pick. Kiper writes about the pairing of DE Myles Garrett and Carter together as top-tier edge rushers in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's attack-style defense.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media Analyst NFL.com

The pick:Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State

Analysis:Jeremiah writes the Browns could consider taking Carter at No. 2 and then look to take a quarterback in the second round instead of the other way around an option he believes is the better choice for the Browns.

Nick Baumgardner, Senior Writer The Athletic

The pick:QB Cam Ward, Miami

Analysis:Baumgardner writes that he believes Ward is the best QB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, and If the Browns are sold on drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 pick, he would be the choice.

John Kosko Pro Football Focus

The pick:QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Analysis:While Kosko mocks a trade for the Giants to jump to No. 1 to take Ward, he has the Browns staying at No. 2 and taking Sanders. Kosko writes the Browns need a quarterback to lead them back to contention and believes Sanders' experiences can help him do so.

Mike Renner CBS Sports

The pick:Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State

Analysis:Renner writes that if Ward is available at No. 2, he believes the Browns would take Ward. But if he's not, the combination of Carter alongside former Defensive Player of the Year in Garrett over the next five seasons would be tough to pass on.

Ryan Fowler Draft Network

The pick:CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

Analysis:Fowler views Hunter as an immediate plug-and-play starter for the Browns and writes that Hunner has All-Pro ceiling on both sides of the ball.