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Travis Hunter - English
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cleveland Browns are staring down one of the most pivotal choices in franchise history. Holding the No. 2 overall pick, Cleveland’s front office is weighing two competing priorities: solve the quarterback conundrum that has haunted them for years or simply select the best talent available to improve the overall strength of the roster.
The elephant in the room, of course, remains Deshaun Watson. The Browns’ blockbuster 2022 trade for Watson has turned out to be one of the most criticized moves in recent NFL memory, plagued by off-field controversy and a troubling injury history. With his availability and performance now unreliable, Cleveland may have no choice but to consider resetting the quarterback position yet again.
But the situation isn’t so black and white. The 2025 draft class boasts a rare opportunity: two elite prospects from the same college program in quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter.
Both were stars at Colorado under the leadership of Deion Sanders, and both have shown they can elevate a team on either side of the ball.
Sanders, speaking to Overtime about the upcoming draft, addressed the speculation surrounding him and Hunter being potential fits for Cleveland.
“I know draft day, it should be me or him going there. Which one, I don’t know. But I think we’re the most qualified players to go to that organization,” he said.
A bold proposal: Take Hunter at No. 2 and trade for Sanders later
Rich Eisen recently suggested to select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick, then make a move to trade back into the first round and draft Sanders if his stock slides far enough.
“How about the Cleveland Browns taking Travis Hunter No. 2 and then flipping up from 33 to, say, 20, because again, if it’s a third-round selection and a fifth and sixth-round swap, Denver would be willing to go from 20 down to 33 to just pop out of the first round,” Eisen said.
It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. The Browns also hold pick No. 33, the first in the second round. With some creative packaging, Cleveland could easily maneuver into the back end of Round 1 and secure Sanders-assuming he’s still available.
On paper, the idea of reuniting the Colorado duo in the NFL is tantalizing. Hunter, a once-in-a-generation two-way player, could bolster either the secondary or receiving corps, while Sanders would offer a long-term solution at quarterback without the baggage that has plagued Watson’s tenure.
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