3:33pm: Andrew Berry has listened to offers, and Russini adds that many around the league believe the sixth-year Browns GM would be willing to slide down a few spots. This would line up with the Jaguars’ No. 5 draft slot, and it will be interesting to learn what kind of offer the AFC South team has made. Again, it will likely take a significant trade package to move the Browns off Hunter, but this storyline is not dying down as the draft nears.
1:23pm: Many moving parts exist for the Browns in this draft. They are not believed to view the available quarterbacks — assuming the Titans start the draft with Cam Ward, as they are expected to — as worth the No. 2 overall pick, which has prompted looks into coming back into Round 1 to address that spot. But other options may still be in play.
Cleveland is still having conversations about sliding down from No. 2 overall, with Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz classifying these as genuine rather than mere check-ins from teams. As the draft nears, we are moving past the check-in stage. The Browns are still listening for a trade that would stand to move them out of the Travis Hunter/Abdul Carter draft sector.
Hunter is viewed as the clubhouse leader to go second overall, even though Carter-to-Cleveland rumblings have emerged at multiple points this spring, and the Browns are still more likely than not to draft the Heisman winner at No. 2. A Wednesday report indicated the Browns would be “foolish” to not listen to offers, however, as the team is in need at the game’s premier position. The Browns adding significant ammo by dealing No. 2 could arm them for a QB trade-up this year or next; a year out, the 2026 passer class is believed to be stronger, though moving parts exist there as well.
The Browns have also still been tied to Kirk Cousins, a former Kevin Stefanski pupil who will not waive his no-trade clause before the draft, and he could conceivably be added as a stopgap. Though, Joe Flacco already coming in for that role would stand to diminish Cleveland’s interest in a Cousins-Stefanski reunion. If the Browns exit this draft with a plan to regroup in 2026 at QB, however, Cousins would stand to be back on the table — if the Falcons can convince the AFC North club to pay some of the aging arm’s 2025 salary.
As for who could come up for this pick, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports the Jaguars have expressed interest in moving up. They join the Raiders in that regard. Hunter is believed to be the player teams are aiming for with these trade-up inquiries, and Russini confirms an offensive player is on Jacksonville’s radar.
The Jags have now been closely tied to Ashton Jeanty at No. 5. They are unlikely to need a trade-up move to acquire the Boise State dynamo, but they certainly will to add Hunter. The Browns prefer Hunter at receiver, while the Titans and Giants have identified him as a corner first. The Jags’ stance is unclear — perhaps by design, as the team clouded its draft board by not conducting any “30” visits this year.
During a Rich Eisen Show appearance, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport did not view the No. 2 pick as off-limits, either. Interest still exists in the pick, and the Jags should be considered on the radar. Though, the Browns likely would charge a premium to pass on Hunter. Jags-Tetairoa McMillan connections have surfaced; Hunter would provide a flashier upgrade at receiver. While Hunter still appears Cleveland-bound, a blockbuster that makes him the centerpiece of a new Jacksonville regime’s offseason is not out of the question entirely.
BTJ & Travis Hunter would be a sick duo
The Patriots really should be fielding calls and entertaining offers. I get every mock has then taking Campbell but if the Raiders say want to leapfrog the Jags and are willing to give a 2nd or 3rd rounder, why not take the chance your guy is there 2 picks later? there are a couple good OTs if Campbell gets taken and if not you just got a pick for your guy.
I really don’t anticipate the Browns/Giants moving off their picks, but certainly think the pats could benefit from some needy teams Fallin in love with Ashton.
Except he’s not worth a 1st and 3rd. Raiders have too many holes to fill with the draft, they would be foolish to give up any picks.
If the Browns trade back for picks and not select Travis Hunter I’m going to lose my mind! As a Browns fan Hunter immediately improves our team on both sides of the ball. If Berry messes this up , he needs replaced
Not a browns fan, but totally agree with you. Hunter is that generational talent.