Browns Lock In on 4 Ohio State Stars as First-Round Targets
One or more of these players could land with the Browns, who hold the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round.
How the Browns have Carnell Tate, Arvell Reese and 2 other OSU stars firmly on their radar in the 1st round
The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with a prime opportunity to reshape their roster, and Ohio State's talented crop of prospects has captured their full attention. Holding both the No. 6 and No. 24 overall picks in the first round, the Browns are in a rare position to potentially double-dip from the national champion Buckeyes. Wide receiver Carnell Tate and linebacker Arvell Reese headline the list of Ohio State standouts who have been linked to Cleveland throughout the pre-draft process, along with at least two other Buckeye stars who could hear their names called in the opening round.
Carnell Tate emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football during Ohio State's championship run, showcasing elite route-running ability and reliable hands that project seamlessly to the NFL level. For a Browns franchise that has been desperate to surround its quarterback with legitimate weapons on the outside, Tate represents a potentially transformative addition. Meanwhile, Arvell Reese established himself as one of the most physically imposing linebackers in the country, combining sideline-to-sideline speed with bone-jarring tackling ability that defensive coordinators covet at the next level.
Beyond Tate and Reese, the Browns have also done extensive homework on other first-round-caliber Ohio State players who could fill pressing needs on the roster. Cleveland's front office has attended multiple pro days and conducted private workouts with several Buckeyes, signaling that the connection between the NFL franchise and the in-state powerhouse program is stronger than ever. Scouts have praised the overall readiness and football character of Ohio State's draft class, noting that the experience of competing for and winning a national title adds an intangible edge that franchises value highly.
With two first-round selections at their disposal, the Browns have the flexibility to address multiple roster holes in a single night. Whether Cleveland opts to use the No. 6 pick on a marquee Ohio State talent or waits until No. 24 to grab a falling Buckeye, the expectation around the league is that at least one of these players will end up staying in the state of Ohio. For a franchise hungry to return to playoff contention, landing proven winners from one of college football's most successful programs could be exactly the boost the Browns need heading into the upcoming season.