Mel Kiper, draft expert for ESPN, has the Cleveland Browns passing on a quarterback for arguably the best player in the draft.

In his initial 2025 first-round NFL mock draft, esteemed ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projects San Francisco to address the offensive side of the football. Kiper’s initial projection sees the 49ers scooping up talented Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the No. 11 pick.

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 31: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half touchdown with Tyler Morris #8 while playing the Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Quarterback is not just the most important position in football, but it is arguably the most important position in all of sports. That is why quarterbacks in the NFL Draft always tend to have plenty of intrigue around them.

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had the Browns taking Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. But in Mel Kiper Jr.’s first mock of the year for ESPN, he had Sanders’ teammate Travis Hunter going to Cleveland and Sanders going to the New York Giants at No. 3.

The Bengals have bigger needs, regardless. The next pick in Kiper’s mock is a guard prospect in Armand Membou. The one after that is a safety, Nick Emmanwori. A few picks later, top tight end Colston Loveland. Later in the round? Pass-rusher Nic Scourton.

College football put a bow on a historic 2024 season as Ohio State won the national championship, and now it’s time to get a line on where the country’s most ta

In his first mock draft ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., chooses between Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans.

Longtime ESPN and college football analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has released his first mock draft of the 2025 NFL draft season. In the mock, he has the Browns selecting the reigning Heisman winner.