Cleveland Browns High Points of 2025

Total transparency here, many fans of the Cleveland Browns would read the title and say that the best moment of the season was when it ended. That’s a fair point. The 2025 season brought some painful moments that seem worth forgetting. But was the season really all bad? Rhetorical question, stop screaming, “YES!”

Beneath the losses, drama, inconsistencies, and inexplicable playcalling, a small spark of hope mixed with a bit of positive energy. The combination made the 2025 season somewhat bearable.

Since the season ending doesn’t count as the best part of 2025, let’s look at a few storylines that are positive.

• Myles Garrett- The first overall draft pick in 2017 has been a dominant force to be reckoned with in the NFL. His skills and speed as a defender disrupt offenses and force double and triple teams. In the 2025 season, Browns fans (and the rest of the NFL) had the pleasure of watching him chase and break the single-season sack record with 23.

• The Defense- Cleveland’s D reclaimed the elite status its 2023 unit had, and it sparked some excitement doing so. For the 2025 season, the buzz around the Cleveland Browns’ defense frequently noted how the group was in stark contrast to the team’s offense. While the offense staggered and stumbled, the defensive corps fought hard and made impactful plays across the board.

The dominant defensive play surprised some, as two key defenders happened to be rookies. Defensive Tackle, Mason Graham, and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger slipped perfectly into their respective roles. They made the most of opportunities to learn from highly skilled teammates.

Defensive End, Alex Wright, has settled into his role as Myles Garrett’s counterpart at the other end of the line. His consistent efforts were rewarded with a 3-year, $33 million contract in November. The 25-year-old reveres his fellow defenders and claims to be a sponge, absorbing knowledge and skills from the veterans.

Statistically, the Cleveland Browns’ D falls into the category of elite.

• Ranked 1st in the NFL in Total Yards Allowed with just 204.3 yards per game.

• Ranked 3rd in Passing Yards Allowed, giving up only 167.2 yards per game.

• When it comes to PFF Grades, the Browns’ defensive line was number 1 overall, number 1 in pass rush, and number 1 in run defense.

• The Rookies- The drama surrounding the naming QB 1 engulfed Cleveland’s rookie quarterbacks, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. However, the pair were not the most influential rookies from the class of 2025. Talent scouts did their homework, and it is apparent when you see the four rookies named to the NFL All Rookie Teams.

CLASS of 2025

• Round 1: Mason Graham Michigan DT (Named to the NFL All Rookie Second Team)

• Round 2: Carson Schwesinger UCLA LB (Named to the NFL All Rookie First Team)

• Round 2: Quinshon Judkins Ohio State RB (Named to the NFL All Rookie Second Team)

• Round 3: Harold Fannin Jr.  Bowling Green TE Named to the NFL All Rookie First Team)

• Round 3: Dillon Gabriel Oregon QB

• Round 4: Dylan Sampson Tennessee RB

• Round 5: Shedeur Sanders Colorado QB

• Andre Szmyt- After a missed field goal and botched point-after attempt during Week 1, fans called for the head of the Browns’ rooking kicker, Andre Szmyt. He was a relative unknown who beat out veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins to get the starting job. Fortunately for Szmyt and the team, he retained his job. His rocky start just fueled his desire to strive for more.

To his credit, Szmyt not only turned his game around, but he was damn near perfect. His stats speak for themselves.

• Field Goals Made/Attempted: 24/27

• Field Goal Percentage: 88.9%

• Extra Points Made/Attempted: 25/26

• Extra Point Percentage: 96.2%

• Longest Field Goal: 55 yards

Was 2025 a good season to be a Browns fan? No, it was subpar, frustrating, and at times inexplicable. However, even in the midst of a 5-12 season, there were a few redeemable moments. Here’s to finding a good Head Coach, killing it in the NFL Draft, and having a great next season.