Browns' Draft Strategy: Analyzing Potential Day 2 QB Targets If Cleveland Selects Abdul Carter at No. 2

Browns' Quarterback Conundrum Intensifies as Draft Approaches

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation remains one of the most intriguing storylines. With Deshaun Watson recovering from a re-torn Achilles and newly acquired Kenny Pickett as the only other QB on the roster, Cleveland's need for quarterback depth is evident.

The First-Round Possibility: Abdul Carter Rising

Recent reports suggest Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter is emerging as the favorite for Cleveland's No. 2 overall pick, potentially pushing QB selection to Day 2. This scenario would put the Browns in position to evaluate several promising but less heralded quarterback prospects.

Top Day 2 Quarterback Prospects

1. Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss)

• Stats: 69.3% completion, 4,279 yards, 29 TDs, 6 INTs in 2024
• Strengths: Elite deep ball accuracy (led FBS in yards/attempt at 10.75)
• Concerns: Questions about Ole Miss's spread offense translating to NFL
• Draft Projection: Potential late first-round to early second-round selection

2. Jalen Milroe (Alabama)

• Dual-Threat Ability: 4.4 40-time with 20 rushing TDs in 2024
• Development Potential: Connection to Browns OC Tommy Rees (former Alabama OC)
• Challenges: Inconsistent passing accuracy (3.4% INT rate ranked 105th nationally)
• Scheme Fit: Would require Baltimore-style offense built around his mobility

3. Tyler Shough (Louisville)

• Experience: 7-year college career with stops at Oregon, Texas Tech, Louisville
• Pros: Impressive 23:6 TD:INT ratio in healthy 2024 season
• Cons: Significant injury history (multiple season-ending injuries)
• Value: Mature prospect who could develop into solid backup with starter potential

The Browns' Quarterback Philosophy

GM Andrew Berry has emphasized flexibility in evaluating different quarterback styles:

"With how offensive football has evolved and how the college game has trended, it opens up the aperture of players who can be successful quarterbacks in the NFL."

Potential Draft Scenarios

• If Carter goes at No. 2: Browns likely target QB at No. 33 (early second round)
• Best Value Option: Jaxson Dart if available, otherwise Shough as developmental pick
• High-Reward Play: Milroe as project QB with elite athletic traits

Conclusion

While the Browns would prefer to land a franchise QB with their first pick, the deep QB class offers viable Day 2 options. The team's decision will ultimately reveal whether they're prioritizing immediate reinforcement (Dart), high-ceiling development (Milroe), or value with upside (Shough).