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.
