Insider Predicts Browns Draft Sleeper Quarterback in Second Round

The Cleveland Browns are in a proverbial quarterback pickle. After the news of Deshaun Watson's second Achilles injury in three months, it's likely he'll miss all of 2025 while rehabbing the injury.

And it's entirely possible Watson has played his last down in Cleveland or even the NFL.

With the No. 2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, Cleveland could have either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders - or both depending on what Tennessee does at No. 1 - at their disposal.

But the Browns might not be locked in at quarterback at No. 2. They could go defense, especially if they deliver on Myles Garrett's wish to be traded.

Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland thinks he knows who Cleveland could take a flyer on in the second round, and he predicts a lot of potential.

“The absolute ceiling for [Jalen] Milroe would be something close to [Jalen] Hurts. I think they see that. I would also say that the development would take longer than it took Hurts,” Grossi said. 

Milroe's number fell off last season after the retirement of Nick Saban. The Alabama quarterback threw for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns to 11 interceptions while completing 64.3 percent of his passes. He added 726 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground - drawing comparisons to the Eagles' Hurts.

But the previous season Milroe looked better. He threw for 2,834 yards with 23 touchdowns to just six picks while completing 65.8 percent of his throws. He finished with 531 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing.

Grossi mentioned that it could take time for Milroe to get there in the NFL, so the Browns would need a stopgap quarterback for the immediate future until Milroe could develop. And there are a ton of options in the NFL in free agency for that possibility.