In preparation for the 2025 draft, where the Browns hold 10 selections, I went into the lab to identify which draft prospects best fit the Browns' positional prototypes established since Andrew Berry assumed his post as General Manager.
I gathered data on every acquisition Berry has made - whether through the draft, free agency, or trade - focusing on key athletic traits and NFL Combine results to build a Browns-specific prototype. Then, I compared each prospect's numbers to their positional prototype, normalizing the data and adjusting for missing values to produce ideal fits for each position based on the data.
This is the seventh installment of a ten-part series, identifying the best matches for the Browns, based on the data-trends identified since Andrew Berry became GM.
The Browns linebacking corps is one of the least pressing needs going into the 2025 season. They re-signed their own free agents, Devin Bush and Winston Reid, and return Jordan Hicks, Mohamoud Diabate, and Nathaniel Watson from last year. They also added Jerome Baker, a former Buckeye and a proven veteran, who spent last year with the Seahawks and Titans.
The elephant in the room is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the standout LB whom the Browns have been eerily silent about following a concerning neck injury last season. It is unclear if Owusu-Koramoah will be back next year, if at all. Baker's signing seems to be an ominous sign for this upcoming season, at the very least.
Nonetheless, any NFL team would be remiss to not explore all their options, and bringing aboard a good fit if the opportunity presented itself in the draft would not be out of the question. Add in the fact that Hicks, Bush, Diabate, and Reid will be free agents after this upcoming season, linebacker would be a sensible spot to make an addition.
The following are the top 5 fits for the Browns who are available to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft:
5. Nick Martin - Oklahoma State
Nick Martin is a 6'0," 220lb rugged linebacker out of Oklahoma State, whose attributes configure a 97.1% similarity score to the Browns prototype for LBs. Martin spent 4 years at the collegiate level, being a rare prospect to stick at one school for the entirety of his career. He is currently projected to be a late round draft choice.
Martin had a slow start with the Cowboys, as he registered modest statistics in his first 2 years, totaling only 16 tackles. 2023 was his breakout season however, as he stuffed the stat sheet with 140 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Unfortunately, Martin couldn't capitalize on his momentum as a senior because of a knee injury that limited him to 5 games.
His future NFL home will be showing a belief that he will get back to his junior year production at the next level. He possesses elite athletic traits, that show in a 4.53 40-yard dash and a 38' vertical jump. Scouts seem to have some questions about his size and instincts at the next level, however.
Martin's highlight tape can be found here, if you want to see him in action.
4. Carson Bruener - Washington
Carson Bruener, a linebacker with NFL bloodlines, saw himself register a 97.6% similarity score. At the Combine, he measured in at 6'1" and 227lbs. Bruener, like Martin, showed a loyalty to his squad, playing all 4 years with the Huskies. He is also currently projected to be a late round selection, that the Browns would be able to nab with one of their six Day 3 selections.
Read more: Browns' visit with veteran LB seems to confirm Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's status
Bruener played significant snaps from the jump at UW, he was also something of an ironman throughout his tenure - he played in 52 games. A clear run-stopper, his 4 year run culminated in 305 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. He also had a very impressive combine, registering high marks in the 40-yard dash (4.58) and the 3-cone (6.77). The scouts are given pause by a perceived lack of speed and agility.
You can get a look for yourself at Bruener's highlight tape to see what he's all about.
3. Kain Medrano - UCLA
Kain Medrano has seen his profile explode nationally after he tore up the Combine with very impressive numbers, all at an imposing 6'3" and 223lbs. His similarity score is 98.2%, indicating a very good fit for what the Browns LB prototype looks like. Medrano had a lengthy collegiate career, spanning 6 years, all with the Bruins. Current projections place him as a later round prospect, but his Combine could certainly propel him higher.
Medrano was a part-time contributor for the majority of his tenure at UCLA, finally earning a great deal of playing time in years 5 and 6. In his final two seasons he totaled 128 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. The stats depict a modern day linebacker who can cover as well as stop the run and it's reinforced by his testing, highlighted by a 4.48 40-yard dash and 38' vertical jump.
If he is able to quell scouts' concerns about his play recognition and size, Medrano has the potential to become an every down modern day linebacker.
You can see Medrano zoom around the field making plays here.
2. Smael Mondon Jr. - Georgia
Smael Mondon Jr. has been a fixture in the Georgia defense the last 3 seasons. Mondon was a valuable contributor to the back-to-back National Champions in 2021 and 2022. He boasts a 99% similarity score, and at 6'2" and 224lbs, he has a solid build as a modern day 'backer. The present outlook is that he can find himself drafted somewhere in the middle rounds come draft time.
Mondon's statistics took a jump in 2022 when he earned more playing time in Kirby Smart's defense. He didn't disappoint. In his last three seasons, he piled up 201 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, 8.0 sacks, and an interception. The powerhouse program at UGA has produced great NFL linebackers, and Mondon hopes to join their ranks. As of now, the worries for scouts are his size and a nagging foot injury.
Mondon's highlight tape can give you a better idea of the kind of player he is.
1. Barrett Carter - Clemson
Barrett Carter is a bulldog of a linebacker who has been a defensive leader for the Tigers over the last 3 seasons. Of all the linebackers in the class, he has the highest similarity score at 99.5%. Carter, like Mondon, was eased into action as a freshman before taking over full-time duty as a sophomore. The 6'0," 231 pounder stuck out all 4 of his seasons at Clemson which culminated in a projection to be a mid-round draft pick.
Carter was a fixture in Dabo Swinney's defense, and he stacked numbers over the last 3 years. His final numbers at Clemson were 233 tackles, 33 tackles-for-loss, 12.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. There is no limits to what Barrett can accomplish at the next level, as he flashes the tools and mentality to be a great 'backer at the next level. Scouts are unsure about his instincts and impatience at the point of attack.
Judge it for yourself, and watch Carter's highlight tape, you won't be disappointed!