Dawgs By Nature
ESPN is one of the nation’s leading sports sites. We all log on at some point to catch up on our European soccer teams, what dates are the college football playoffs, if Caitlin Clark is healthy enough to begin play in the WNBA, and which NASCAR driver is the points leader.
RELATED: MOST ENCOURAGING PART OF 2025 SEASON
Here at DBN, we cover the Cleveland Browns. And believe us when we say that there is plenty to talk about. This year, all the talk was about QB Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the QB competition, and then shifted to DE Myles Garrett and the single-season sack record.
This 2025 season has not gone as it was drawn up for the Browns back in the summer, and training camp was in full bloom. There was anticipation and excitement. Now, there is aggravation and disappointment as Cleveland has double-digit losses for the second year in a row.
But there are some shiny spots dotted on the outer perimeter of the clouds, commonly called “silver linings.”
Garrett leads that list, with CB Denzel Ward and LG Joel Bitonio coming in second. Sanders just might be the franchise’s new signalcaller, and then again, he might not. That could become Deshaun Watson again. Kicker Andre Szmyt floundered in his first game and fans were already looking for the next new guy to replace him but now the kicker is locked in. The safety room has flourished. In fact, the entire defensive backfield has been excellent and is currently ranked #2 in the league.
And then there are some rookies who should be commended and placed directly in the spotlight.
It just so happens that ESPN’s Ben Solak has compiled a list for their site’s 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team, highlighting the best first-year players at their position. And yes, there are multiple Cleveland players recognized.
LINK: FULL LIST ESPN ALL-ROOKIE TEAM
Drum roll, please.
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“It is agonizing to decide between Judkins, Kyle Monangai, Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, RJ Harvey, Cam Skattebo, and Woody Marks for one second-team spot. Each of them was solid in some ways and disappointing in others. I gave the nod to Henderson’s college teammate, Judkins, because he ran tough and minimized negatives behind a floundering offensive line and without any supporting passing game to create space for him. Judkins, Skattebo, and Hampton are the three who stand out on film with consistent positive plays. Still, this is a tough pick.“
*“You’re forgiven if you haven’t been dialed in to the season Fannin is having in Cleveland. He has emerged as a unique threat as a movement piece (using pre-snap motion) in Cleveland’s offense by creating huge hidden yardage with broken tackles on screens and jump balls over the middle of the field. Fannin is only the ninth tight end since the merger with 700-plus...
