What the Browns Can Learn from the Seahawks' Super Bowl Return
Another Super Bowl Sunday is upon us-and once again, it doesn’t include the Cleveland Browns. For fans in Northeast Ohio, it’s a familiar feeling.
The dream of seeing the Browns play for the Lombardi Trophy remains just that: a dream. But while Cleveland isn’t part of the NFL’s final two this year, there’s still something valuable to take away from the big game-especially when you look at how the Seattle Seahawks got here.
Seattle’s journey back to the Super Bowl didn’t happen overnight. The last time they were on this stage, Pete Carroll was calling the shots and Russell Wilson was still slinging it at a Pro Bowl level.
That era came to an end, and for a while, it looked like the Seahawks might be stuck in the NFL’s middle tier. But then something changed-starting with how they approached the draft.
For years, Seattle had a reputation for going against the grain on draft day. They’d make picks that left analysts scratching their heads, betting on traits over consensus.
Sometimes it worked, but more often than not, it didn’t. That changed when general manager John Schneider shifted gears.
Instead of trying to outsmart the board, the Seahawks started aligning more closely with it-and the results speak for themselves.
Drafting in the NFL is never easy. Even the best front offices miss on picks.
But what Seattle did well was combine better draft strategy with patience and development. Schneider was given the time and trust to right the ship, something not every GM gets in today’s results-now environment.
And when you start hitting on picks-especially early ones-it changes everything.
Seattle’s recent resurgence wasn’t just about collecting talent. It was about building a roster with intention and developing that talent into something more.
They brought in the right head coach in Mike Macdonald and surrounded him with players who could execute his vision. Hitting on quarterback Sam Darnold gave them a steady presence under center, but it was the depth and quality across the roster that truly elevated them.
Now, let’s bring this back to Cleveland.
The Browns may not be Super Bowl-ready just yet, but they’re not without hope. If there’s a blueprint to follow, it’s the one Seattle laid out.
Start with the draft. Cleveland has two first-round picks in the upcoming draft-a rare and valuable opportunity.
And if this year’s rookie class is any indication, the front office is already trending in the right direction.
Look at the names added recently: defensive tackle Mason Graham, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. That’s a group that brought both talent and impact. Hitting on those kinds of picks-especially in the middle rounds-is how you build a contender.
But it can’t stop there. The Browns need to stack another strong draft on top of this one.
They need to continue finding players who fit their system, who can grow into starting roles, and who can raise the floor and ceiling of the roster. And just like Seattle, they’ll need to be patient-but purposeful-with how they develop those players.
Cleveland fans have waited a long time for a Super Bowl run. And while it’s not happening this year, there’s a path forward. It starts with smart drafting, steady development, and a front office willing to learn from the teams that have made it work.
This Sunday, while the Seahawks take the field, the Browns should be watching closely-not just as spectators, but as students. Because if Seattle can turn things around, there’s no reason Cleveland can’t do the same.