The Cleveland Browns Are Spiraling - And the Draft Order Says It All
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Cleveland Browns are in rough shape. Forget the preseason optimism or the “just a few pieces away” narrative - this team isn’t just underperforming, it’s unraveling. And the standings back that up.
After a 31-3 thumping at the hands of the Bears, the Browns are now 3-11. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a trend. They’ve dropped four of their last five, and the issues aren’t isolated - they’re everywhere.
Offense, defense, special teams - pick a phase, and there’s a problem.
Quarterback Carousel, Again
The quarterback situation remains a weekly coin flip. One game, Shedeur Sanders looks like the future, throwing three touchdowns with poise and command.
The next? He’s tossing three picks and looking overwhelmed.
That kind of volatility isn’t just frustrating - it’s crippling. You can’t build consistency when your most important position is a wild card.
Offensive Line? More Like Patchwork
Up front, the offensive line is anchored by a seven-time Pro Bowler - and then there’s everybody else. Injuries and inconsistency have forced guys into roles they weren’t ready for, and it shows.
Pass protection has been shaky, and the run game? It’s a weekly roller coaster.
One week they’re opening holes, the next they’re getting blown off the line.
Receiver Room Needs a Reset
The wide receiver group hasn’t offered much help, either. Separation is rare, drops are common, and the lack of a true go-to target is glaring. When your quarterback is already struggling, this kind of supporting cast only magnifies the issues.
Special Teams Struggles
Special teams haven’t been special all season. Missed kicks, poor field position, and inconsistent returns have all added up. It’s the kind of hidden yardage that doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s been killing the Browns in close moments - not that they’ve had many recently.
A Defense That’s Running on Fumes
And then there’s the defense. Early in the season, they were keeping this team afloat - bending, not breaking.
But after weeks of carrying the load, it looks like they’ve finally hit a wall. The energy isn’t there.
The tackling is sloppy. The fight?
Fading.
So Where Do the Browns Sit in the Draft Order?
With three games to go, Cleveland currently holds the No. 4 overall pick in next April’s NFL Draft. That’s not where they wanted to be - but it might be where they need to be. Here’s how the bottom of the league shakes out right now:
#32 - Pick #1: New York Giants (2-12)
Losers of five straight.
Just dropped a 29-21 game to Washington. Remaining schedule includes the Vikings, Raiders, and Cowboys.
#31 - Pick #2: Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
Also on a five-game skid.
Most recent loss? A 31-0 shutout by Philly.
They’ve got the Giants left, which might decide who gets that top pick.
#30 - Pick #3: Tennessee Titans (2-12)
One win in their last five.
Just gave up 37 to the 49ers. Saints and maybe the Chiefs are left on their schedule.
#29 - Pick #4: Cleveland Browns (3-11)
One win in five.
Just got dismantled by the Bears. They’ve got the Bengals and maybe the Steelers left as winnable games, but nothing’s guaranteed.
Their strength of schedule the rest of the way is .512 - not easy.
#28 - Pick #5: New York Jets (3-11)
Three wins in their last five, including a 27-24 win over the Falcons. They’ve got a tougher road ahead, with the Dolphins, Saints, and Jaguars still on deck.
#27 - Pick #6: Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
Haven’t won in over a month.
Just gave up 40 to the Texans. Falcons and Bengals remain.
#26 - Pick #7: New Orleans Saints (4-10)
They’ve actually been showing some life, winning three of their last five, including a 20-17 win over Carolina. Jets, Titans, and Falcons are left - the easiest remaining schedule in the league at .238.
#25 - Pick #8: Washington Commanders (4-10)
Snapped a losing streak with a win over the Giants.
Only the Cowboys remain - and that’s a tall order. Their remaining strength of schedule is a tough .583.
What’s Next for Cleveland?
With two division games left - the Bengals and Steelers - the Browns still have a chance to play spoiler. But let’s be real: the focus is shifting toward April. This team needs help, and they need it across the board.
The quarterback situation has to be addressed - either by committing to a guy like Sanders and building around him, or making a bold move in the draft. The offensive line needs reinforcements.
The receiver room needs a shake-up. And the defense?
It needs depth and a fresh injection of energy.
It’s not just about adding talent - it’s about reshaping the identity of this team. Because right now, the Browns aren’t just losing games. They’re losing direction.
And if they’re not careful, they might end up picking higher than fourth when it’s all said and done.