Dawgs By Nature
Only Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel were above 22, 4 picks 21 or younger
While “age is nothing but a number” is a popular saying, in the NFL, age is a huge factor. In general, younger players with higher athletic profiles are not only drafted higher but often end up dominating at their positions. Generally, the quarterback spot is the exception, although athleticism can help.
The Cleveland Browns added a seven-player class in the 2025 NFL draft, which was not only highly athletic but also brought some significant youth to the roster. While some may scoff that “of course they got younger drafting college players,” COVID rules, NIL and transfer options have skewed the draft older over the last few years.
The Browns drafted two players who are still 20 years old:
Cleveland also added two others who are just 21:
The Browns other second-round pick, LB Carson Schwesinger, is 22 years old, while quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel (24) and Shedeur Sanders (23) skew the average age a little bit.
In general, younger players provide three distinct advantages:
Like anything, age is just one factor in evaluating a draft class and roster, but Cleveland’s future looks a bit brighter, even if the 2025 season might have a few more struggles, with a younger crop of players.
