The Cleveland Browns currently find themselves in a tricky position as they navigate a pivotal moment in their franchise’s direction. With Deshaun Watson facing complications in his recovery from an Achilles injury, the team’s starting quarterback situation is up in the air. Despite this uncertainty, the Browns seem hesitant to pull the trigger on a rebuild by trading away their cornerstone players like Myles Garrett. Instead, they may be looking for strategic ways to improve their roster without completely gutting the team.
In a recent exercise, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum conducted a mock draft for 2025, where he took on the role of each team’s GM. In a surprising turn of events, Tannenbaum projected that the Browns would select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick instead of a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders. His reasoning? While the need for a quarterback is evident, Tannenbaum highlighted that the Browns’ roster also requires bolstering at cornerback and wide receiver.
Hunter stands out as a unique talent, having played over 1,100 snaps at both cornerback and receiver during his college career. Tannenbaum pointed out that the Browns’ defense struggled significantly against the pass in 2024, ranking low in key defensive metrics like opponent quarterback ratings and interceptions. Pairing Hunter with Denzel Ward would create a formidable duo in the secondary, with Hunter also capable of contributing on offense as a wide receiver.
However, this approach would mean that Kenny Pickett would assume the starting quarterback role as the Browns enter the 2025 season, raising questions about the organization’s long-term plans at the quarterback position.
The conversation doesn’t stop there, though. Another ESPN analyst, Bill Barnwell, weighed in, suggesting that if the Browns aren’t set on selecting Sanders, a trade down in the draft could serve them well. Barnwell emphasized the importance of accumulating more picks, particularly within the top 100 selections, noting that the Browns currently possess a substantial amount of draft capital. Spreading this wealth across multiple picks could be vital as they look to recover from the ongoing impact of the Watson contract.
It’s hard to overlook Barnwell’s suggestion; the Browns undoubtedly need to inject fresh talent into their roster. Trading down could be a pragmatic strategy that not only addresses immediate needs but also enhances their ability to build for the future, particularly given the financial constraints brought on by Watson’s deal.
As we approach the draft in April, all eyes will be on the Browns to see if they heed the advice from the experts and make strategic moves that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory. How they navigate this juncture could have significant implications for both the short-term and the long-term success of the team.
