Kiper: 'Intel' Says Browns Take QB with No. 2 Draft Pick; Ward Projected over Shedeur

The Cleveland Browns may have their sights set on a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft.

Cleveland was projected to take Miami passer Cam Ward with the No. 2 overall pick in the latest 2025 mock draft from ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., with Kiper citing "intel" that the Browns are targeting a signal-caller with the pick during Thursday's First Draft (6:20 mark).

"This is what you go to the NFL for," Kiper said. "And it's teams, what are they hearing? One of my key guys says, 'Hey, I'm hearing Cleveland is taking a quarterback.'"

He also expected Ward to be the first quarterback off the board over Colorado's Shedeur Sanders due to the Miami signal-caller's "mobility" as well as the lack of pressure that he puts on his offensive line.

Ward is coming off a stellar senior season with the Hurricanes, completing 67.2 percent of his throws for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns while getting picked off just seven times.

The Browns' quarterback situation is uncertain entering the 2025 season.

Deshaun Watson suffered a second Achilles tear during his recovery from an initial torn Achilles that occurred in Oct. 2024. He could miss the team's entire 2025 campaign before he's able to return, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, Cleveland was projected to add Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 2 overall selection. It's worth noting that Ward was already off the board.

As the Browns weigh their options with the high draft choice, Kiper believes that they're looking to acquire a quarterback such as Ward.