It’s crazy to think that the 2025 NFL Draft will be here in two weeks, ending months of speculation on what the Cleveland Browns will do. I have been studying and writing about this class since I joined The OBR before the 2024 college football season began.
Naturally, spending so much time watching this group, there are certain players you end up loving even if they have significant issues/weaknesses. Those prospects end up being one of “your guys,” and you cross your fingers that some of them end up on your team. So here is my “my guys” list for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Number 10: Dillon Gabriel, QB Oregon
I understand the concerns about his size and physical limitations, but I cannot quit Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He is undersized and doesn’t have the biggest arm, but there’s still plenty to like with Gabriel. He’s started more collegiate games as a quarterback than anyone else. There isn’t a lot that a defense can throw at him that he hasn’t seen before.
You’re not drafting Gabriel to elevate your offense, but he’s the perfect point guard to operate an offense. He thrives in structure, distributing the ball to his playmakers and letting them create after the catch. Gabriel is a very accurate passer and an above-average athlete who can extend plays with his legs and hurt a defense running with the ball.
Gabriel might never be a franchise quarterback, but he can be a high-end backup who comes in and keeps your offense afloat if the starter goes down with an injury for a couple of weeks. He could operate a Kevin Stefanski offense well, so he remains one of “my guys” in this class.
Number 9: Ricky White III, WR UNLV
Ricky White III will not go until later on day three, but he’s a sleeper candidate worth a late flyer. He’s a phenomenal special-teams player, which you need to be able to do as a day-three prospect to make the roster sometimes. His special teams’ production includes four blocked punts. He has a motor that doesn’t quit, which helps make him a good special-teams player.
White III isn’t a crazy athlete with burner speed, but he still makes people miss in the open field to create extra yardage. He does a good job keeping an eye on the quarterback and working back to him when the quarterback extends the play with his legs. He also does a good job finding the hole in zone coverage and is a decent route runner with a good change of direction to create separation.
