Six defensive fits for the Browns on Day 3 of the NFL Draft 2025

CLEVELAND, Ohio — While Day 3 of the NFL Draft is mostly viewed for projects, there still is potential to find starters as diamonds in the rough.

The Browns spent two of their first five picks on defensive players so far, starting with Michigan tackle Mason Graham on Thursday night in the first round and UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger to start the second round. They enter Saturday with three remaining picks — Nos. 126, 166 and 192 overall — on Day 3.

Here are six players they could consider on defense, ordered by position of emphasis:

Tyler Baron, Miami edge rusher

Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 258 pounds

Why consider him? The defensive line has gotten younger around Myles Garrett in the last year, starting with last season’s trade of end Za’Darius Smith and the termination of tackle Dalvin Tomlinson this offseason. The gap left by Tomlinson’s departure should be filled by Graham, but they could continue to stockpile pass rushers to the Garrett-led group that includes Ogbo Okoronkwo, Alex Wright and McGuire. Barron is a former four-star recruit. He isn’t one of the top prospects still left, but he had 5.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss to earn All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention.

Jack Sawyer, Ohio State edge rusher

Height, weight: 6-5, 260

Why consider him? Sawyer is the top defensive player still available on cleveland.com’s composite big board, 69th overall entering the draft and fourth among available prospects after Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson and Utah State receiver Jalen Royals. Sawyer’s draft stock has seemed to slip since his play helped Ohio State to the College Football Playoff national championship.

Bradyn Swinson, LSU edge rusher

Height, weight: 6-4, 255

Why consider him? Swinson is the No. 2 remaining edge rusher, based on the composite big board. He is Pro Football Focus’ top remaining edge rusher. PFF had him 47th overall entering the draft. “Swinson didn’t become a full-time starter until his final season, but in his current form, he shows very active hands and a good understanding of rushing the passer to yield consistently high pass-rush win rates,” PFF wrote in its review of Swinson. “If he continues to get stronger defending the run, he can become a starting 3-4 edge player with impact pass-rush potential.”

Joshua Farmer, Florida State defensive tackle

Height, weight: 6-3, 305

Why consider him? If Graham isn’t enough, Farmer could add to the Browns’ depth in the middle. He is the top remaining defensive tackle on cleveland.com’s composite big board, ranked No. 91 overall. “Farmer is still a budding defensive lineman, even as an upperclassman,” according to PFF. “With some improved anticipation and technique, he can be a starting-caliber pass-rusher — although he must have a higher floor as a run defender to get on the field consistently.”

Quincy Riley, Louisville cornerback

Height, weight: 5-11, 194

Why consider him? Not that cornerback is a need for the Browns, who passed on taking Colorado’s Travis Hunter and traded the No. 2 selection to Jacksonville, they have contract questions at the position after the upcoming season. Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. are scheduled to hit free agency. Riley is the top remaining cornerback on the composite big board. He “brings an elite track background and twitched-up movements to the position,” according to PFF, “but his lack of size and major strength concerns make him a tough projection for anything more than a rotational cornerback with special teams in his future.”

Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma safety

Height, weight: 5-10, 192

Why consider him? Bowman is the top remaining safety, where the Browns have Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman set as starters. Bowman is better in coverage as a free safety than up in the box. “Whoever drafts Bowman will have to live with his tackling woes,” according to PFF. “If you can get over that, you’ll get a versatile coverage defender who is a big-play machine.”