MOBILE, Ala. – As Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry sat in the stands at Hancock Whitney Stadium watching the practices of the American and National teams, he continued his evaluation of draft prospects.
The Reese's Senior Bowl not only gives draft prospects an opportunity to showcase their talent, but also a chance for NFL personnel and scouts to see players up close. With the Browns holding the No. 2 overall pick and nine total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Reese's Senior Bowl allows Berry and his staff to continue their evaluations.
Berry said that each fall he goes out on the scouting trail to see different players across all positions live. Yet, he can't get to every player during the collegiate season, which is where events like the Senior Bowl help in the process.
"It's incredibly helpful because there's just no way to see everyone during the fall, so you get to see the guys live," Berry said to a small group of reporters. "The other thing is this week we're fortunate with Bubba (Ventrone) being the head coach of (the American team) and Jacques (Cesaire) being the defensive coordinator (of the National team) we probably get a little bit more insight into these guys in terms of how they are in the meeting room, how they treat the support staff – all things that factor in to our ultimate evaluation."
The Browns and Berry are in a bit of a different position for the 2025 offseason than recent offseasons. Holding the No. 2 overall pick tweaks the offseason process as they work through their plans not only for free agency, but also the draft.
Over the next three months, Berry and his staff will continue their evaluations and work through their strategic direction. Free agency can have a bit of an effect on the draft process – especially with a high first-round pick. Berry said generally, their approach going into free agency is the idea that they could go into the draft with the ability to line up and play at their known spots, in order to not be influenced by need. They want to make the best long-term decisions for the organization. Berry explained that they are taking the longer-term focus with the 2025 offseason as whole, more so in the past two offseasons, which might alter their approach.
While Berry is in his first situation as a general manager with a Round 1 quarterback search, he's had experience throughout his career of being on staffs that made high first-round picks and quarterback decisions. Berry said he feels he has a good handle on the process.
He said there also isn't necessarily a set timeline of when they know who they will take in the draft.
"The truth is it kind of happens when it happens," Berry said.
The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl kicked off its first set of practices on Tuesday, Jan. 28. The National team took the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium in the morning before the American team practiced in the afternoon.
American Quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Cornerback Upton Stout (24), Western Kentucky, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Defensive end Shemar Stewart (14), Texas A&M, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Riley Leonard (13), Notre Dame, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), Mississippi, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Defensive tackle Walter Nolen (2), Mississippi, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Riley Leonard (13), Notre Dame, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Defensive end Shemar Stewart (14), Texas A&M, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Cornerback Upton Stout (24), Western Kentucky, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Tight end C.J. Dippre (81), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Cornerback Upton Stout (24), Western Kentucky, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Cornerback Upton Stout (24), Western Kentucky, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Riley Leonard (13), Notre Dame, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Riley Leonard (13), Notre Dame, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), Mississippi, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Safety Maxen Hook (25), Toledo, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Running back Donovan Edwards (7), Michigan, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (69), Minnesota, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Running back Ollie Gordon II (0), Oklahoma State, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44), Bowling Green, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (55), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6), Boston College, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (55), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Marcus Mbow (63), Purdue, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Defensive tackle Darius Alexander (9), Toledo, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (6), Miami, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Defensive end Mike Green (15), Marshall, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44), Bowling Green, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (6), Miami, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Marcus Mbow (63), Purdue, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (55), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (6), Miami, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Running back Bhayshul Tuten (33), Virginia Tech, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Running back Donovan Edwards (7), Michigan, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Defensive end Shemar Stewart (14), Texas A&M, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Quarterback Tyler Shough (2), Louisville, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Defensive end Shemar Stewart (14), Texas A&M, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Tight end C.J. Dippre (81), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (2), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jaxson Dart (2), Mississippi, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Defensive end Shemar Stewart (14), Texas A&M, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (6), Miami, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Cornerback Upton Stout (24), Western Kentucky, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Riley Leonard (13), Notre Dame, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (55), Oregon, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), Alabama, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
National Offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery (69), Minnesota, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
American Quarterback Riley Leonard (13), Notre Dame, during the first day of practices before The 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 28, 2025.
He talked earlier in the week with one of his mentors, Tom Telesco, about a similar topic. Telesco, who was a general manager for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers from 2013-2023 and the Raiders for 2024 about the decision around a high first-round draft pick.
"He told me 'You know, the only time I knew which player were taking was Joey Bosa. That's the only time I knew if he was there, he was the pick. For literally every other draft I didn't know until we got closer to the selection date.' I haven't done it as long as Tom has, but I have found that to be true. Where you think you're going to be at this point, or any certain point may take different turns along the way."
As the Browns work through all options at No. 2, Berry said it's early in the process to know exactly their strategic direction and what they will do with the pick. They want to use these next three months to continue getting to know more about the draft class to help bolster their decision-making process, both at No. 2 and throughout the draft.
As Berry considers all the options and weighs the long-term plans, he also does not believe necessarily in the notion of having to take a quarterback at that pick.
"It's the most important position so you're gonna do a whole bunch of work on it every year, regardless of where your roster is," Berry said. "But you also don't want to force it if the right guy isn't there and feel compelled to reach at that spot. I don't think there are any hard truths about what you have to do at the top of the draft. I think the big thing is you have to do everything in your power to help you make the right decision."
That said, the Berry and the Browns are aware of their needs in the quarterback room and know there are decisions that will come in the offseason about adding talent to the quarterback room. The Senior Bowl offered another chance to see quarterbacks like Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart, Dillon Gabriel and Riley Leonard, among others.
As he prepared to watch the quarterbacks throw and participate in practice, Berry noted the physical traits about Milroe, while acknowledging the familiarity on a personal level with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees coaching Milroe at Alabama.
"From a physical level, there's really nothing that he can't do," Berry said of Milroe. "High level athlete, really strong arm. He has been really a bit of a self-made man in terms of developing from the pocket throughout his Alabama career. I think it's hard not to envision some of the things he'll be able to do at the NFL level when you watch Sunday and see some of these dual threat guys. So, he's got immense potential. He's a really hard worker. So interested to see what he does this week."
Berry also highlighted Dart's physical traits.
"In terms of Jaxson, high level processor, really good in anticipation," Berry said. "He's accurate. He really pounds the middle of the field, like that's really his game, and he probably has some understated mobility. So, they've both been highly productive players in college. They've had good tutelage where they've been, and I would expect both of them to have really strong weeks. "
The Browns are also in the process of revamping their offensive system after the Browns promoted Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator. Yet, one of the looming questions surrounding that offensive system will be around the quarterback. Berry said it can complicate that process in ways with a level of uncertainty at the position.
Yet, they can work around that uncertainty by having adaptable and flexible people within the coaching staff.
"For us, like when building the roster, ideally, you want to have players that are scheme-transcendent or that can be versatile enough to shift responsibilities depending on who you have on the staff," Berry said. "That's not always the case, but that's certainly the ending point."
There are two more days of practices at the Senior Bowl, ones that Berry and the Browns will use to gain more intel and insight on a number of draft picks. They will take the information gained at the Senior Bowl into the NFL Combine and as they develop their direction for the 2025 offseason.
"We're still at three months before we have to make that decision and we're just getting to know the draft class in terms of getting to know the person," Berry said. "I wouldn't necessarily cut off any strategic path for us, but with that being said there are a lot of players at the top of the draft we like."
