Cleveland Browns 03/10/2025. Training Session The Cleveland Browns players during the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz training session for Cleveland Browns at the Grove Hotel, Chandler s Cross, United Kingdom on 3 October 2025. Chandler s Cross Grove Hotel Hertfordshire United Kingdom Editorial use only , Copyright: xDennisxGoodwinx PSI-22956-0009
Cleveland Browns 03/10/2025. Training Session The Cleveland Browns players during the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz training session for Cleveland Browns at the Grove Hotel, Chandler s Cross, United Kingdom on 3 October 2025. Chandler s Cross Grove Hotel Hertfordshire United Kingdom Editorial use only , Copyright: xDennisxGoodwinx PSI-22956-0009
Dec 23, 2025, 4:30 AM CUT
How Cleveland Browns' Defeat to Buffalo Bills Positively Affects their 2026 Draft Chances
On Sunday, the Browns put up a tough fight against the Buffalo Bills. The Browns' bad luck continued as Quinshon Judkins sustained an ankle injury that will require surgery and a long rehab.
Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders, the starting quarterback, scored only one touchdown, and Dillon Gabriel was sacked almost immediately.
While the 2025 season is beyond salvaging, the only silver lining after the 20-23 loss to the Bills was where Cleveland stands in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns will now have the overall third pick in next year's draft.
According to Cory Kinnan of Browns Wire, unless the Raiders and Giants game ended in a tie, the Browns would make it closer to the second overall pick, and that's exactly what happened.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills Nov 20, 2022 Detroit, Michigan, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb 24 runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at Ford Field. Detroit Ford Field Michigan USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLonxHorwedelx 20221120_JAB_jr6_310
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills Nov 20, 2022 Detroit, Michigan, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb 24 runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter at Ford Field. Detroit Ford Field Michigan USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLonxHorwedelx 20221120_JAB_jr6_310
After their defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, the New York Giants, 2-13, hold the number one pick, and the Raiders have the second overall pick after losing to the Houston Texans. Now, if the Bowns lose thier game against the Steelers, they'll have a real chance at getting that second draft pick.
But why is improtant for the Browns to get an early pick?
If the Browns get to make one of the top picks, they could gain top quarterbacks like Indiana Hoosiers’ Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks. But if the Cleveland Browns continue with Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback next season, the draft will be used to build a team around him as their “franchise guy.”
If management decides to focus on him, they will need to sort out the offensive tackle and wide receiver positions. For the OT position, the Browns could look at Spencer Fano, Francis Maugioa, and Jordyn Tyson alongside Carnell Tate at receiver.
The most important choice is the quarterback position, especially after this season’s four-quarterback shuffle. Shedeur Sanders showed he is capable when he scored four touchdowns against the Titans, but he remains inconsistent. Dillon Gabriel has failed to leave a mark with seven touchdowns for 937 yards.
It is unclear if Sanders will start next year or if the Browns will make a trade. In that case, the New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals, and the New Orleans Saints are looking for a quarterback.
It's clear the Browns have to make some difficult choices internally, too. As per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, for this team, “Some change would make sense based on how tough a season it has been.”
The 2025 season comes to an end, and the possibility of the Browns ending with another 3-14 strong lurking around. With their drafting advantage, will this team renew and do better next year?
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi