Travis Hunter Reportedly Seen as 'Favorite' to Go to Browns with No. 2 NFL Draft Pick

For all of the pre-draft debates thus far about whether or not the Cleveland Browns will take Abdul Carter or Shedeur Sanders, it turns out they might have a different plan for the No. 2 overall pick.

Per The Athletic's Jeff Howe, there's a growing belief around the NFL that Travis Hunter is the "favorite" to be selected by the Browns with their first-round choice.

NFL draft expert Todd McShay also noted the possibility that Hunter goes No. 2 overall:

Todd McShay of The Ringer has stated that Sanders is "absolutely in play" for the Browns with the No. 2 pick. It makes sense because they do need a quarterback capable of starting in 2025.

There's also a strong possibility that Deshaun Watson, who could miss all of next season after re-rupturing his Achilles in January, doesn't play for the Browns again after owner Jimmy Haslam declared this week the 2022 trade for him was a "big swing-and-miss."

ESPN's Adam Schefter said last week things were "shaking out" in such a way that Carter was tracking to be selected by Cleveland. He did note things could change because there was still a lot of time before the draft.

The winds of change have been blowing regarding what the Browns want to do. They have frequently been linked to Kirk Cousins, reuniting him with his former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.

If the Browns can pull off a move for Cousins, they might feel comfortable passing on a quarterback at No. 2. This would leave Carter or Hunter as the most-likely draft options.

Even though pairing Carter with Myles Garrett on the defensive line sounds terrifying for opposing quarterbacks, they also have a need for another playmaker on offense to help whomever is throwing the football.

NFL insider Jason La Canfora, in an article for The Washington Post, cited two anonymous general managers who disputed the Browns having a strong interest in Carter because Stefanski didn't attend the dinner when the team hosted him on a visit on March 28.

Jerry Jeudy was the only Browns pass-catcher with at least 600 receiving yards in 2024. Hunter, who expects to play on both sides of the ball in the NFL, is regarded by some teams as the best receiver and cornerback in the 2025 draft class.

Given how rare Hunter's skill set is and all of the needs on Cleveland's roster at this time, taking him at No. 2 overall would make a ton of sense for a franchise that is looking to rebound after a 3-14 record in 2024.