Browns NFL mock draft after Za’Darius Smith NFL trade deadline deal

The Cleveland Browns are focused on developing their roster for next year which means fans can focus primarily on the upcoming NFL draft. We will continue our rooting guides in relation to NFL draft position and keep you updated on where the Browns will be selecting after each week .

With the NFL trade deadline in full swing, Cleveland has already moved DE Za'Darius Smith for draft picks . The Browns currently have nine selections in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft with more moves possible the rest of the day including a surprising rumor that TE David Njoku could be available .

With the nine picks Cleveland currently has after the Smith trade, we present an updated 2025 Browns mock draft using Pro Football Network's simulator :

OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Cleveland needs offensive tackle help. If Dawand Jones solidifies the left side, the right will still need to be solidified in the long term. Trusting Jones on the left after half a season will also be tough.

QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

For many, only Shedeur Sanders is worthy of a top pick in the first round. After that is a lot of questions. Milroe is one of those questions as a quarterback with all the skills worth developing. With an extra third-rounder, taking a shot on Milroe here makes sense with the Browns not having an answer at quarterback right now.

DE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

Smith was unlikely to stick around after this year anyway but trading him away provides clarity. Cleveland hopes Isaiah McGuire can show some promise this year but depth will be needed off the edge.

S Andrew Mukuba, Texas

Among the many disappointments for the Browns the last two years has been the free-agent addition of Juan Thornhill. The former two-time Super Bowl champ has been injured and struggled to fit in. Mukuba is an athletic player who could develop as a starter going into his second season.

RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

While we all want to see Nick Chubb retire in Cleveland, anything is possible after his contract ends this year. Jerome Ford hasn't produced as hoped which means reinforcements are needed here and Johnson has been a steady producer for a bad Iowa offense.

OT Jack Nelson, Wisconsin

With the pick acquired from the Lions, the Browns continue to rebuild their offensive line with an experienced Badger.

TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson

If Njoku is dealt, tight end shoots up the list of needs. As is, the position normally requires a first or second-round pick to find an impact player. Here, the 6'6" Briningstool presents as a redzone target for whoever is playing QB for Cleveland.

DT Thor Griffith, Louisville

You've seen the name in our mock drafts and here he is once again. Late in the NFL draft, adding players along the lines is often the best use of picks.

WR Jeremiah Hunter, Washington

WIth Cedric Tillman looking really good, receiver doesn't have to be forced earlier in the draft. It is a surprise to see the productive Hunter, 6'2", available late in the draft but we were happy to scoop him up.

(PFN also has the Browns with a seventh-round pick which is likely a compensatory selection. With it, we selected RB Donovan Edwards, Michigan.)