The Cleveland Browns may currently be between a rock and a hard place . . . or, more specifically, a generational two-way athlete and a potential franchise quarterback.
Friday's pro day for the University of Colorado served as a showcase for quarterback and 2025 NFL draft prospect Shedeur Sanders. And his performance, which ended up exceeding expectations, might have made the thought of passing him up a tad more difficult for pass-needy teams.
Among the front offices that'll have to consider Sanders are the Browns—who had their owner, general manager, head coach, assistant general managers, executive vice president, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on hand in Boulder, Colo. Cleveland, however, will also be players for Sanders' teammate, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.
So, who will they eventually take in the first round of the draft? Well, how about both?
For our latest mock, we'll have the Carolina Panthers—who seem more than willing to move down the queue later this month—serve as Cleveland's guardian angel. In this scenario, the Browns nab Hunter with the second overall pick and swing the following trade with the Panthers for Sanders at the eighth overall spot:
Cleveland receives: Pick No. 8
Carolina receives: Pick No. 33, Pick No. 67, 2026 first-round pick, 2026 third-round pick
Now, let's begin . . .
First round (No. 29 overall, via WSH): Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Trade
Carolina receives: Pick No. 29
Washington Commanders receive: Pick No. 33, Pick No. 111
Yes, another trade! And like they did last year, the Panthers jump back into the end of the first round using a high-second rounder.
This time, it's for Scourton—a 20-year-old edge defender who fits the timeline of Carolina's development. The 6-foot-3, 257-pounder is a pro-ready run defender, and should be able to pair his power and his pretty deep move set to become a productive pass rusher in the NFL.
Second round (No. 57 overall, via LAR): Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Noel checks two boxes for the Panthers, who could use a certified deep threat on offense and a capable returner on special teams. He, per Pro Football Focus, averaged a class-leading 43.5 yards per reception on passes of at least 20 yards downfield in 2024.
Third round (No. 67 overall, via CLE): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Even with the expensive addition of Tre'von Moehrig, Carolina still needs to fill out the starting free safety spot. Watts, who tallied 13 interceptions over the last two years, has tremendous ball skills for the role.
Third round (No. 74 overall): Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
With just the 2025 season remaining on right tackle Taylor Moton's contract, don't discount the possibility of a hog molly. Trapilo has experience on both ends, and could wait in the wings as Moton's heir apparent.
Fourth round (No. 114 overall, via DAL): Gunner Helm, TE, Texas
The Panthers reunite 2024 fourth-round pick Ja'Tavion Sanders with his fellow Texas tight end in Helm, who brings quite a bit of juice after the catch.
Fifth round (No. 140 overall, via NYG): Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Re-signing Mike Jackson to a two-year deal was a solid move. But the depth chart at cornerback is still lacking, well, depth.
Fifth round (No. 146 overall): Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn
Signing Rico Dowdle to a one-year deal was also a nice move. But like the corner position, the Panthers need some backup for Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard.
Fifth round (No. 163 overall, via BAL): Kobe King, LB, Penn State
Rinse and repeat that depth talk for the inside linebacker spot.
Seventh round (No. 230 overall, via ARZ): Andres Borregales, K, Miami (Fla.)
The only kicker on the roster is Matthew Wright, who was signed to a future/reserve contract in February. They'll have to look into adding competition there.
