NFL draft: Browns best targets at pick No. 2

USA Today

21-04-2025

NFL draft: Browns best targets at pick No. 2
After years of searching for a franchise-altering talent, the Cleveland Browns once again find themselves holding a coveted top selection in the 2025 NFL draft.
While this year's draft class might not boast the same overwhelming depth at premium positions we've seen recently, it certainly isn't short on captivating prospects. As draft analysts and Browns faithful alike speculate on who the team will target, including a dynamic pass rusher, a unique star, and a poised quarterback. So what will the Browns do when they come on the clock starting Thursday night?
Let's meet the menagerie, shall we?
Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado
The name Shedeur Sanders has been floated in mock drafts all offseason for the Cleveland Browns' coveted second overall pick. While his on-field talent is fairly cut-and-dry, the pre-draft narrative surrounding him has often focused on subjective interpretations of his personality. Some analysts and fans have characterized him as arrogant, citing his confident on-field presence and active social media use.
However, the Browns' own evaluation paints a different picture. Despite some pre-draft buzz suggesting otherwise, Cleveland's front office reportedly found Sanders to be confident and engaging during their NFL Scouting Combine interviews, a stark contrast to any notions of arrogance or brashness.
Sanders enters the 2025 NFL Draft as the widely recognized second-best quarterback prospect. His impressive 2024 season at Colorado saw him throw for a remarkable 4,134 yards, accompanied by 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He played a pivotal role in the Buffaloes' successful 9-4 campaign, culminating in their first bowl game appearance in five years.
As the Browns meticulously evaluate their options at two, Sanders' proven production and the team's positive interactions with him suggest he is far more than just a frequently mocked name, he's a legitimate contender.
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Selecting Abdul Carter would inject immediate and formidable talent into the browns defensive front. The 21-year-old recently engaged in a private dinner on March 27th with a significant group of Browns leadership, including general manager Andrew Berry.
Carter's potential impact is undeniable. Pairing him with Myles Garrett, who recently secured a lucrative four-year extension, would create a terrifying pass-rushing tandem for opposing offenses. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds, Carter is widely regarded as the premier pass-rushing prospect in the draft. His dominant 2024 season saw him rack up 12 sacks and an FBS-best 24 tackles for loss across 16 games
Should the Browns opt for a defensive powerhouse like Carter at 2, they could still address their quarterback needs later in the draft with a Day 2 selection. This scenario presents an intriguing possibility for Cleveland to bolster their defense with an immediate game-changer while keeping the plan flexible for the future of their offense.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Most mock drafts produced in the last week or so have projected the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner to the Cleveland Browns with the second overall pick.
The reasoning behind this newfound consensus is based upon his run-ins with Cleveland staff at his pro day, along with the language GM Andrew Berry uses to describe the kid. Berry alludes to the common comparisons of Hunter to other two-way players like Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson as if they sell him short. While this is high praise, being compared to men who each have gold jackets, it's hard not to see what would make the 'Shohei Ohtani' of football so captivating.
Ultimately, Travis Hunter's exceptional athleticism, two-way capabilities, and otherworldly cardiovascular conditioning make him a prospect any fan can get excited about.