Cleveland Browns select player with fifth pick after trading away second, rejecting additional deal offer
The Browns unleashed a shockwave in the 2025 NFL Draft when they traded away the No. 2 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sources claimed that teams were chomping at the bit, tossing deals at the browns to swap picks, but Cleveland held firm.
With the newfound No. 5 pick in hand, the Browns drafted Michigan Wolverines' defensive tackle Mason Graham. The ovaction-inducing pick sets the stage for Graham to team up with superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett, forming amenacing defensive front that'll make opposing offenses pull their hair out.
Just before the deal was sealed, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network dropped a bombshell: the Browns reportedly received numerous offers to trade back the No. 5 pick. Rapoport didn't dish on the teams making the calls, but it seemed like there was more than one.
Whispers filled the air that the Jaguars were one of the teams vying for the No. 2 spot, but it's essential to clear up any confusion – the Browns originally held the No. 2 pick before the shocking trade with Jacksonville[1][4][5]. Did the Jaguars call the Browns to case about the No. 5 pick? Apparently not.
So who were the secret shoppers appearing out of the blue with trade proposals for the No. 5 pick? The mystery remains unsolved. What's known for certain is that the Browns opted against trading back and landed a powerhouse defensive lineman considered a top-5 pick throughout the draft process.
Graham, a 21-year-old force of nature, displayed his skills at Michigan, starting every season and recording 45 combined tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks during the 2024-25 season[6].
Although it's believed the roster could use an offensive boost, the Browns couldn't resist the allure of Graham. And there's still hope for a quarterback upgrade; Cleveland's drafting again with the No. 33 overall pick – the first selection in the second round.
Will the Browns bring in a potential QB contender in the second round? Let's see what unfolds on Day 2 at 7 p.m. EST when the draft kicks off. The action can be caught on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and the NFL Network.
[1] - NFL.com[2] - CBS Sports[3] - Pro Football Talk[4] - The Athletic[5] - ESPN[6] - Sports Reference
- The Browns rejected several trade offers in the 2025 NFL Draft, maintaining their position to draft Michigan Wolverines' defensive tackle Mason Graham with the No. 5 pick.
- The rumors swirling around American football circles suggest that the Browns could benefit from acquiring a quarterback upgrade, but they chose to strengthen their defensive front with the selection of Graham.
- Despite the constant whispers and speculation, the Browns did not entertain any trades for the No. 5 pick, opting instead to recruit the top-tier rusher Mason Graham for their team.
- The Browns' decision to draft Graham in the 2025 NFL Draft serves as a significant move, considering his impressive stats at Michigan and the potential he demonstrates as a defensive lineman in the NFL.
- With the No. 33 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns still have an opportunity to address their offensive needs and potentially draft a contender for the quarterback position.
