Provided the Titans select Cam Ward first overall, the Browns will have their choice of the consensus top two prospects in the 2025 draft class. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter have each received plenty of attention from teams at the top of the board, and it would come as no surprise if one wound up being selected by Cleveland second overall. 
A report from last week stated Carter was in the lead with respect to which way the Browns were leaning. Cleveland has done extensive work on him, of course, but more recently signs have emerged that teams do not feel Carter will be the eventual pick at the No. 2 slot. If that proves to be true, Hunter looms as a logical option.
On that point, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports there is a “growing belief” around the NFL that the Heisman winner is the Browns’ top choice at this point (subscription required). Howe adds Cleveland’s evaluations of Hunter have been strong throughout the pre-draft process. Taking that route would still leave the Browns in need of a quarterback addition, something of note given the team’s homework including Ward (who is seen as out of reach) as well as Shedeur Sanders.
The latter would give Cleveland a potential long-term answer under center, something needed given the extent to which the Deshaun Watson acquisition has not paid off. Questions about Sanders’ NFL ceiling have led to a wide range regarding his draft stock, though, a stark contrast to the cases of both Carter and Hunter. Both of those prospects are seen as locks for the top five, although Hunter’s transition to the NFL will require a decision regarding his position. Cleveland has been linked to using the Fred Biletnikoff winner as a receiver, something which appears to be in line with the current view of other teams as well.
Hunter had previously been seen more as a corner, something which came as little surprise given his success on the defensive side of the ball (culminating in his Chuck Bednarik award win in 2024) and the comparative scarcity of true No. 1 cover men in the NFL. In any case, where Hunter lands will be key in determining his workload early in his career. The Giants (set to draft third overall) and Patriots (fourth) represent suitable and expected destinations in the event the Browns go in another direction.
During Colorado’s Friday pro day, the Browns and Giants had large groups on hand. ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes 14 members of New York’s organization were present; in Cleveland’s case, 11 people – including general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski – were in attendance. Plenty of time remains for opinions to be changed in either camp, but Hunter will no doubt remain a key target for both teams leading up to the first round.
There is a growing consensus that teams are lying about their draft interests.
Ah so browns now want Patriots to trade up to 2 and give them 4 and a third by pretending they want Hunter. So smart. Cleveland is known for smart decisions.
As much as Travis Hunter is the most overrated prospect in the last 20 years and had no business winning the Heisman Trophy, no body wishes for anybody to get drafted by the Browns.
That’s just flat out wrong, Hunter is special
That certainly would be hilarious if they took Hunter and went into the season with Pickett as the starter, so much for Myles getting guaranteed they weren’t tanking.
Myles caved to money. He gets what he signed for.
NFL is odd. When teams drafted a normal WR or CB within the first three picks, everyone calls them crazy as those positions tend to be deemed “not as valuable” in reference to the top of the draft. But if there’s a guy who MIGHT play both it makes it more reasonable? What if he gets hurt? Now you’re missing a large amount of reps on both sides of the ball due to one guy. Not that he’s not a fantastic player, it’s just that there’s so much inconsistency in perspective of the value of positions in the draft
I think you’ve got it wrong, the top most valuable position is QB, then the next four are WR, T, DE, and CB
Could the Buccaneers trade up to get him..??? He is a very interesting player
Bucs would have to give up to much for him. I don’t think giving up multiple picks including at least two 1st rounders to go get a guy who plays WR/CB is the best move. Better to just use those picks to select multiple guys at positions of need imo.
Asking a hypothetical question:
(If) Ward goes-1, Hunter-2, Sanders-3, does NE automatically go for Carter or are they more likely to still go O-line? Curios if Carter can end up slipping slightly.
Thank you in advance.
Do you think Sanders is that good?
I don’t see him as a Top 3 pick
Although…you are right about the Buccaneers would give up too much for Hunter
No I don’t think Sanders is as good as he claims he is but he is better then Kenny Pickett imo. Top 3? No, but he is a QB and their is always a need for the position.
Honestly I tried to watch Sanders tape and give a proper evaluation… Travis Hunter made him look really good. Some of those deep shots were off target and if Hunter wasn’t absolutely incredible he wouldn’t have come down with it.
The deep ball is good at times but not great. Smart kid, makes good reads, confident in the pocket, and doesn’t shrink under pressure. Groomed to be a QB since he was roughly 5 years old, so yeah he is very confident and comfortable at the QB position.
He will go 1st round, I don’t know if he has a successful NFL career but he will have a NFL career.