The Cleveland Browns: A Rookie Revival

No doubt about it—the Cleveland Browns’ 31–6 defeat of the Miami Dolphins in their Week 7 contest provided a much-needed morale boost. Sure, it was slightly tempered by the fact that, going into the game, both teams looked miserable, each with just a single win. But since the win-loss ledger won’t include asterisks, players and fans rightly celebrated the team’s second victory of this excruciating season.

The win showed something hopeful- a complete team effort. Production and playmaking on both sides of the ball, along with solid special teams play, reminded everyone what playing as a team can accomplish. The rookies on the field played a large part in making that possible. Acting as more than place holders, the 2025 rookie class showed talent, poise, and a desire to change the Cleveland narrative.

Rookies are usually crapshoots. A kid who is impressive in college isn’t always able to transition to the big time. For example, Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel —the 22nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He flailed, floundered, and eventually sank like a rock and pulled the team down with him. (The Manzel debacle also makes a strong case that team owners should  sit down and sign the checks rather than taking draft advice from random people.) We may never know who inspired the Browns’ 2025 Draft Class, but thanks to whoever deserves credit.

It is important not to overlook or understate the value this group of first-year players brings to the team when they suit up and take the field. These players have individually and through collective efforts brought numerous positives, including,

• Additional Strength to the Defense

Early in the season, the Browns had glaring flaws on defense. Missed tackles, blown coverage, and a lack of playmaking compounded an already tough situation, worsened by a hapless offense. Players voiced frustration, and the curtain appeared to lower on the 2025 season almost as quickly as it rose.

However, early draft picks Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger have helped transform the Browns’ front seven.

Mason Graham is nothing short of relentless in his pursuit of excellence. As he consistently collapses pockets and hurries throws, Graham forces opponents into double-team situations. By absorbing those double teams, he helps clear the way for edge rusher Myles Garrett to reach the quarterback.

Carson Schwesinger has the rare distinction of wearing the green dot for the Browns defense. The green dot typically goes to a veteran player with a firm grasp of the defensive scheme and the trust of coaches and teammates. Schwesinger’s assignment shows he possesses maturity, leadership, and a football IQ well beyond his years.

• Renewed Offensive Spark

The offense entered 2025 with injuries and more questions than answers regarding quarterbacks and running backs. The persistent chaos caused by the Deshaun Watson debacle, coupled with the lack of a clear RB1, led to rocky performances. Things began to shift with the signing of Quinshon Judkins, the Joe Flacco trade, and the anointing of the team’s 41st quarterback, Dillon Gabriel.

Dillon Gabriel’s promotion to starting quarterback ahead of fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders ruffled some feathers among the Cleveland faithful. Ultimately, while Gabriel hasn’t morphed into Otto Graham, he’s protected the ball, thrown no interceptions, and is developing chemistry with Cleveland’s wide receivers. Despite youth and inexperience, Gabriel is showing confidence and steady improvement.

Quinshon Judkins is making consistent strides and growing each week. He put on an impressive display against the Miami Dolphins. He could be the catalyst the offense needs to salvage part of the 2025 season.

Harold Fannin Jr. is a hometown favorite, having grown up in the shadow of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He brings versatility as a tight end and is becoming Gabriel’s safety valve in blown coverage situations.

• Positivity, Kinda

It’s difficult for Browns fans to avoid being jaded. There’s a constant need to brace for heartbreak, and the perpetual drone of “next year” can erode enthusiasm. Still, watching these rookies promotes cautious optimism.

They’re proving to be more than run-of-the-mill overhyped, egocentric kids. Their off-field work ethic and on-field substance have quietly shifted the narrative from “what’s gonna happen now?” to “these kids look pretty good.” The rookies appear to be legitimate.

A visit to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, November 26th, could be an interesting matchup. In fact, grabbing another win is not out of the question. Leaning on a defensive unit that has performed solidly and feeding Judkins the ball while avoiding long-yardage situations would go a long way toward securing a third victory. The Patriots’ potential to significantly underestimate the Browns could also tip the scales in Cleveland’s favor.

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Cleveland Browns Rookies

Player                           Position          Round                      College

Mason Graham              DT                  1st                             Michigan

Carson Schwesinger   LB                   2nd                            UCLA

Quinshon Judkins        RB                    2nd                           Ohio State

Harold Fannin Jr.          TE                     3rd                           Bowling Green

Dillon Gabriel               QB                   4th                             Oregon

Dylan Sampson            RB                    4th                            Tennessee

Shedeur Sanders        QB                    5th                             Colorado

Adin Huntington            DT                 UDFA                           Tulane