Mel Kiper, draft expert for ESPN, has the Cleveland Browns passing on a quarterback for arguably the best player in the draft.

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

Wednesday was the final day for prospects to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, so another piece to the puzzle is now known. Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was the last notable name to throw his name into the pool,

Longtime ESPN and college football analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first mock draft of the 2025 NFL draft season. In the mock, he has the Browns selecting the reigning Heisman winner.

Right now with approximately three months until draft day, there is no consensus as to who the Cleveland Browns will draft with the No. 2 pick.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his first NFL Mock Draft of 2025 and it’s time to start debating and analyzing! Things are going to change with this draft, as they usually do, over the next few months. Trades, hires, injuries, you name it. This board will shift but this is a great first look from Kiper with some surprises.

NFL Draft is quickly approaching, with less than 100 days left. As the pre-draft process heats up, college football All-Star games and the NFL Combine in late February are setting the stage for teams to evaluate prospects.