The NFL Combine is an annual event where college players showcase their athletic skills and measurements to NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. However, players from NFL teams are not generally involved in the Combine itself, as it’s primarily for draft prospects. The Cleveland Browns, however, do play an essential role in the NFL Combine, especially considering key figures like Joel Bitonio and Nick Chubb.
Joel Bitonio and Nick Chubb’s Role at the NFL Combine
While Joel Bitonio and Nick Chubb are not eligible for the NFL Draft—since they are already established members of the Cleveland Browns—there are still key roles they may fulfill during the NFL Combine, but not as participants in the on-field drills.
Joel Bitonio is the Browns’ Pro Bowl left guard, widely recognized as one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. As one of the top veterans on the team, Bitonio won’t be doing drills at the Combine, but he will likely have a presence through team-related activities such as helping coach or interact with incoming draft prospects. Bitonio could be involved in mentoring younger players, particularly those being evaluated for the offensive line. His experience and insight into the game make him an excellent resource for young talent looking to break into the league.
Nick Chubb, the Browns’ star running back, is another key player who won’t be participating in drills or measurements at the Combine. However, as one of the premier running backs in the NFL, Chubb’s status in the Combine could revolve around his leadership, and he could also be involved in mentoring young running backs and offering insights to the Browns’ front office on what kind of talent they should look for in the draft. Like Bitonio, Chubb may not be actively participating, but he can offer invaluable advice to both rookies and veterans. His experience in understanding what makes an effective running back, from vision to speed and toughness, will be a crucial part of helping the organization select the right talent for their future.
Beyond that, Chubb and Bitonio could both participate in interviews with reporters or public events where they discuss their thoughts on the draft, the Combine process, or even the upcoming season. For the Browns’ front office, having key players like Chubb and Bitonio involved during this period helps to reinforce the team’s culture and approach to developing talent.
The Browns’ Quarterback Situation and Clarification at QB
The quarterback situation is arguably the most pressing issue for the Cleveland Browns heading into the NFL Combine and the 2025 season. The team has struggled in recent years to find long-term stability at the position. Baker Mayfield was the Browns’ 2018 first overall pick and had a promising rookie season but struggled with consistency, leading to his departure after the 2021 season. Deshaun Watson was brought in via a trade with the Houston Texans, a high-profile move that brought a lot of expectations, but Watson’s performance has been inconsistent since his return from suspension for off-field issues.
Given that Watson has not lived up to his previous Pro Bowl-level play, there are questions about whether he will continue to be the team’s starting quarterback. The NFL Combine could play a pivotal role in providing clarity on the future direction at QB for the Browns.
Deshaun Watson: The Starting QB Situation
Deshaun Watson’s situation is complex. When healthy and playing at his best, Watson has been a top-tier quarterback in the league, able to extend plays with his legs, read defenses, and make big throws down the field. However, after being suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season due to his off-field behavior and then returning in 2023, Watson’s performance has been far from impressive. His stats have been below expectations, and there’s a growing concern about his ability to lead the team to success.
While the Browns have publicly backed Watson, they cannot ignore the reality that they are paying him one of the highest salaries in the league. To make that contract worthwhile, Watson must be the player he was in Houston, but the 2023 season raised more questions than answers. Given this uncertainty, the NFL Combine will be crucial for Cleveland’s scouting department, coaching staff, and front office to evaluate potential quarterbacks who could either push Watson or serve as an insurance policy.
Potential Draft Targets for the Browns
With questions swirling around Watson’s future, the Browns are likely to keep an eye on quarterbacks available in the draft, though they are in a position where they won’t have a high pick in the first round (the team traded away their first-round pick in 2022 for Watson). The Browns will be looking for quarterbacks who can fit into their offensive system, one that revolves around a strong running game with Nick Chubb and a balanced attack.
Quarterbacks such as Will Levis, Anthony Richardson, or Tanner McKee—all of whom will be participating in the Combine—may be on the Browns’ radar. The Combine serves as a valuable evaluation tool, as it allows teams to assess a quarterback’s mechanics, arm strength, decision-making under pressure, and overall poise in interviews and drills.
However, it’s important to note that the Browns will not necessarily be seeking a quarterback to start immediately unless Watson’s struggles are severe enough to warrant a benching. The Browns are more likely looking for a developmental quarterback or even a high-quality backup who could step in should Watson fail to regain his Pro Bowl-level form. A lot of teams have been looking for more mobile quarterbacks who can excel in the modern NFL system, which could make someone like Richardson, with his athleticism, a potential fit.
Additional QB Decisions for the Browns in 2025
With the quarterback position being so central to the team’s fortunes, the Browns may also evaluate the possibility of bringing in a veteran quarterback, though their cap situation and the salary given to Watson might make this difficult. The veteran route could serve as a short-term solution or a developmental option for a year or two, as the Browns look for long-term stability at QB.
Additionally, a critical decision that the Browns need to make in the near future is whether to keep backup QB Joshua Dobbs or Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the roster. Given the unpredictability of Watson’s performance, having a capable backup will be crucial. If the Browns feel they need to push Watson, having a reliable veteran or even a rookie QB option to step in would be key to the team’s overall success.
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