With the 2025 NFL Draft set to unfold in just over two weeks at the iconic Lambeau Field, the spotlight is firmly fixed on two electrifying prospects: Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Penn State’s Abdul Carter.
And thanks to a major shift in the draft narrative, both stars may hear their names called sooner than expected – possibly reshaping the top of the board.
Hunter, fresh off a Heisman-winning season as a two-way standout under coach Deion Sanders, has been hailed as the most versatile talent in years.
Splitting time at both cornerback and wide receiver, Hunter dazzled with 153 receptions, nearly 2,000 yards, and 20 touchdowns over two seasons – while also locking down opposing receivers on defense.
Analysts routinely call him the most complete player in this draft class.
Meanwhile, Carter’s path to top-three status has been more traditional but just as impactful.
Despite sitting out the NFL Combine and Penn State’s Pro Day due to a foot injury, the relentless pass-rusher racked up 12 sacks in 2024, drawing comparisons to former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons.
Carter helped lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals and is widely viewed as a franchise-changing pass rusher.
But it’s the Cleveland Browns, sitting at No. 2, who now hold the key to chaos – and all eyes are on whether they’ll pass on a quarterback.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter delivered a game-changing update that suggests Cleveland could buck expectations by selecting Hunter instead of a signal-caller.
“That’s the thing with the draft, it’s a moving target,” Schefter said. “And it constantly evolves, and teams’ needs and desires change along the way as they go through the evaluation process.
“The latest intel now is that I believe Travis Hunter is the more likely pick at [No.] 2, today, a couple of weeks out of the NFL draft, for a couple of different reasons. I think the Cleveland Browns watched him on Friday at his pro day and they saw somebody that can move like nobody else.
“I think that going into that day, they views him as somebody they can play at wide receiver and I think sprinkle in defensive back. So I think he could play two ways for them, but I think they may think of him more as a receiver than a cornerback.”
That update runs counter to previous speculation that Cleveland might be eager to draft Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Either way, Hunter and Sanders’ college coach – Deion Sanders – hinted that the Browns will be lucky to come away with either one of his stars. “I think one of those guys is going to be there,” Coach Prime said.
Should the Browns take Hunter, he would provide an immediate boost either as a dynamic playmaker opposite wideout Jerry Jeudy, or as a lockdown cornerback lining up next to Denzel Ward.
If the team goes with Shedeur Sanders instead, it would signify a full-on reset at quarterback – setting up a training camp battle with Kenny Pickett, whose NFL résumé has yet to impress.
If Cleveland indeed goes with Hunter, it leaves the New York Giants in a tantalizing spot at No. 3. They could grab Abdul Carter to bolster their pass rush alongside Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Or they could double down on explosive offensive talent by pairing Hunter with recent wideout addition Malik Nabers.
While Shedeur Sanders remains an option, the Giants’ recent signings of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston suggest they aren’t desperate for a rookie quarterback – especially not if Carter or Hunter are still on the board.
With Tennessee widely expected to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall – a pick that would make him the 40th quarterback selected first in NFL Draft history – the Browns’ decision at No. 2 becomes the first true inflection point.
Should Cleveland pivot toward Hunter, Shedeur Sanders could tumble, perhaps landing with the New York Jets at No. 7 to compete with Justin Fields, or even sliding to New Orleans at No. 9, where veteran Derek Carr has been inconsistent and injury-prone under new head coach Kellen Moore.
Regardless of how it shakes out, the Browns’ decision will send ripple effects across the board and could shape the draft’s trajectory for years to come.
What are your thoughts on Schefter’s comments?
Do you think the Browns will pass on Sanders to take Hunter instead at No. 2???
