As we approach the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titan'The decision at number one overall is focused. After flying around…just let me say… the funny free agent move seems like Titans opting for Miami QB Come Ward. They were surprised to choose Penn State Edge's Abdul Carter in 1 (this makes a lot of sense given the big gap in their edge), but most critics have the belief that Ward will be the first player to leave the board.
It leaves us at number 2 Cleveland Browns. The draft really starts here, but Cleveland did an amazing job of holding his card close to his chest. So let's go through and break it down through all the potential options they have.
Tradeback
I think this is something most Browns fans want to do with Cleveland, but as April approaches, it's unlikely they'll trade out. I think this might be a hopeful thinking unless there is a scenario where Titans choose Carter and QB Needley's team.
Still, there is still a chance. So why do the Browns replace them from this location? They want to stockpile picks and build teams without taking QBs. Cleveland hasn't shown much loyalty to any of the QBs, but if QBs can get a team that is struggling to trade up (Cough cough New Orleans) They will definitely do that. That way you can stock up on your picks and then choose the best players available. If you can avoid the 7-12 range, you can potentially pick up players like WR Tetairoa McMillan, Edge Shemar Stewart and DT Mason Graham.
Select Penn State Edge Abdul Carter in 2
This seems to be the best option for Carter and the Browns. Cleveland has signed an Edge Jo Trion Show Inka for a year, but shouldn't stop him from trying to add to the room through one of the best overall players in his class. Carter has a horrifying blend of violence and burst, giving the Browns a truly amazing 1-2 punch of Carter and Edge's Miles Garrett, setting them for the present and future of their defensive line.
Behind the side of this, the downside is that in a class that might not be the best option, you might have to spend your second day pick in QB. I don't really believe in a second round QB of this class, but Cleveland is linked to Alabama QB Jalen Milroe (Browns' OC Tommy Reese was Alabama's Milroe in 2023) and if he chose not to get a QB at 2, he was able to make that decision at 33.
Choose Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter
Rinse for Carter, again, it's a bit more interesting than Carter, which is suitable for Hunter. Pennsylvania's Edge… well… edge, but Browns GM Andrew Berry believes Hunter is an NFL wide receiver and not a cornerback.
I think Hunter is a great receiver, but is he a receiver worth taking on the second overall pick? I tend to lean towards no, but you can see the fit there in Cleveland. Outside of WR Jerry Jeudy, the Browns receiver room is in a very bad strait, with Michael Woods II potentially running a lot. Hunter is a lightning shot with his ball skills and jumping ability, playing him at receiver and running moonlight for the Browns more than the other teams, considering how deep he has at cornerback.
Select QB in 2
Now, before you break this, there is one thing you need to mention first. If the Browns are drafting QBs, if you think Ward or Colorado QB QB Shedeur Sanders will be a guy, that's a big reason to draft. But if they're drafting just because they need it and throwing things at the wall, that's a false premise. “There's a QB here, so you should take him with you” is a terrible process for drafting a man who will become the face of the franchise. You should either fully believe in one of the two men or not take it at all.
That being said, in a small chance, Carter is taken before Ward makes an attractive choice before them. I think both Ward and Sanders are first-round prospects, slower than the guys at the top of the line, but they play in a very different way. Sanders has a little more buttons and wants to play with the timing and expectations behind the Colorado offensive line. Ward is a bit looser (although he shows his ability to play from the pocket), but his footwork and decision-making leaves a lot to be desired. Neither guy has an overwhelming athletic tool, but Ward has an edge over Sanders in that division. I think Sanders would be better fit on the offense from head coach Kevin Stefanski, but Ward may offer more of the explosive plays Cleveland thought he would get from QB Desshaun Watson.
It's an interesting decision to make for Cleveland, but this is what the draft is about. This is where they get that salary and this is where the draft really begins.
What should Cleveland do in the second place in the NFL Draft?
Vote in our poll:
