The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with a strong roster, but still have areas they can improve. While the early rounds often draw the most attention, Day 3 is where the hidden gems often lie. These picks can bring valuable depth, developmental potential, and even immediate impact to a team looking to build on its playoff aspirations. For the Browns, securing quality talent on Day 3 could be the difference between contending for a Super Bowl and staying stuck in mediocrity.
In this article, we explore five potential Day 3 diamonds in the rough that the Browns should target. From a quarterback with potential upside to a speedy wide receiver, these players could make a significant impact on Cleveland’s roster. The following prospects represent the perfect blend of talent, development potential, and value that can be found on Day 3 of the 2025 draft.
While Deshaun Watson is firmly entrenched as the Browns’ starting quarterback, the team should not overlook the importance of developing a backup with upside. Dorian Thompson-Robinson out of UCLA fits the bill perfectly. A dual-threat quarterback with excellent mobility and a strong arm, Thompson-Robinson has all the tools to develop into a solid NFL starter with the right coaching.
He has shown that he can lead an offense effectively, and while he may not be ready to step in and start right away, Thompson-Robinson’s athleticism and work ethic make him an intriguing option for Cleveland. He could sit behind Watson for a year or two, learning the intricacies of the NFL game and preparing to eventually step into a starting role if needed. With the Browns’ quarterback depth chart being relatively thin, securing Thompson-Robinson on Day 3 would be a smart investment for the future.
The Browns have one of the most dominant pass rushers in Myles Garrett, but they could use more depth on the edge to provide rotation and help keep Garrett fresh throughout the season. Isaiah McGuire from Missouri is a perfect candidate to add to Cleveland’s defensive line. McGuire is an explosive pass rusher with a relentless motor and the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks consistently.
He has good size and strength, making him an ideal fit for Cleveland’s defense, where the ability to create pressure is paramount. McGuire could come in and contribute immediately as a rotational pass rusher, learning behind Garrett and the rest of the defensive line. Over time, he has the potential to become a starter and a key part of the Browns’ defensive front. For a team looking to compete for a Super Bowl, adding a young, hungry edge rusher like McGuire could be a game-changer.
The Browns have one of the league’s best receivers in Amari Cooper and a solid supporting cast with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Elijah Moore, but they could still use another dynamic weapon in the passing game. Tyler Scott out of Cincinnati could be just the player to add that vertical dimension the Browns need. Scott is a burner with excellent speed and agility, making him a deep threat every time he’s on the field.
Scott’s ability to stretch the field would complement the Browns’ offense perfectly. His speed and ball-tracking ability make him a dangerous weapon on deep routes or in the screen game. Scott could come in and provide immediate value as a situational deep threat, stretching the defense and opening up opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps. His upside as a speedy playmaker makes him an enticing Day 3 option for Cleveland.
The Cleveland Browns’ backfield is led by the ever-dominant Nick Chubb, but depth behind him is always crucial. Trey Benson, the power back from Florida State, could provide that depth while offering a unique skill set that complements Chubb’s style. Benson is a downhill runner with a strong build and the ability to gain tough yards between the tackles.
Benson has good vision and a quick burst, which allows him to break through defenses and gain significant yardage after contact. While he may not have Chubb’s top-end speed, his physicality and ability to grind out yards make him a great fit for the Browns’ system. He would provide a reliable backup and potential complementary piece to Chubb, ensuring the Browns’ running game remains potent throughout the season.
The safety position is one area where the Browns could use more depth and playmaking ability. Javon Bullard, a versatile safety from Georgia, is a player who could step in and contribute right away. Bullard has excellent instincts, solid tackling ability, and a knack for making plays on the ball. His versatility allows him to play both as a traditional safety and in nickel packages, giving the Browns more flexibility in their defensive backfield.
Bullard’s physicality and ability to read the quarterback make him an intriguing late-round prospect for the Browns. With the NFL becoming increasingly pass-heavy, having a versatile safety who can cover ground and disrupt passing plays is crucial. Bullard could eventually develop into a starter or key rotational player in Cleveland’s secondary, providing much-needed depth and playmaking ability.
While the first few rounds of the draft tend to get the most attention, Day 3 is where teams often find hidden gems. These players might not have the same hype as first-round prospects, but they have the potential to develop into key contributors. For the Cleveland Browns, Day 3 presents an opportunity to add players who can provide immediate depth or develop into valuable starters over time.
Building a roster for long-term success requires more than just hitting on high-profile draft picks. It’s about adding quality depth, filling in positional needs, and finding players who can grow and develop in your system. That’s where Day 3 picks like Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Isaiah McGuire, Tyler Scott, Trey Benson, and Javon Bullard come in.
For the Cleveland Browns to take the next step in their championship aspirations, they need to continue to add talent at every position. Day 3 of the draft is a crucial opportunity to build depth while also finding developmental talent. The players mentioned above could help strengthen areas like quarterback, edge rusher, wide receiver, running back, and safety—all positions that can make a difference in a team’s pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Whether it’s adding a backup quarterback like Thompson-Robinson or a future starting edge rusher in McGuire, these players would help build the foundation of a team that can compete at the highest level. The Browns are already in a strong position, and by hitting on Day 3 picks, they can further solidify their chances of long-term success.
Day 3 of the NFL Draft offers a unique opportunity for teams to maximise value by finding players who are undervalued or have slipped due to injury, scheme fit, or other reasons. For the Browns, this is an opportunity to address positions of need while also finding players with high ceilings. Whether it’s a quarterback with potential, a fast and explosive receiver, or a physical running back, the Browns can find players who offer more than just depth—they can find future stars.
Securing players like Scott, Benson, McGuire, Thompson-Robinson, and Bullard would give the Browns the depth and competition they need across multiple areas. This would allow them to remain flexible and strong throughout the long NFL season, ready to make a push when it matters most.
As the Browns continue to build their roster and push toward a championship, the success of their Day 3 picks could be a defining factor in their long-term success. It’s often these selections that make the difference between a good team and a great one. With smart decisions in the later rounds, Cleveland could find the players who elevate them to the next level.
While the draft is unpredictable, Cleveland can use its resources wisely and ensure that it secures talent at every level of the roster. Day 3 will be a crucial opportunity for the Browns to strengthen their depth and uncover players who could turn into key contributors for years to come. With the right picks, Cleveland’s future could shine even brighter.
The Cleveland Browns have a solid foundation, but they must continue adding talent at every level to remain competitive in the AFC. Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft is an excellent opportunity for the Browns to secure impactful players who could make a big difference in the coming years. From quarterbacks like Dorian Thompson-Robinson to playmakers like Tyler Scott and Javon Bullard, the Browns have the chance to find players who will help them build a championship-caliber roster. If Cleveland can strike gold on Day 3, they could be well on their way to reaching new heights in the NFL.