NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Are the Cleveland Browns concentrated on winning? Armed with the 2nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns traded back and moved to 5th. Then, armed with the 33rd and 36th picks in the 2nd round, the Browns made a move that could change their franchise for years to come.
Instead of trading the 2nd pick in the Draft, the Cleveland Browns could have drafted Travis Hunter. Yes, adding Mason Graham will give the Browns a nice piece to play alongside Myles Garrett, who they are trying to keep happy outside of the new huge contract they offered this offseason. Getting pressure on the opposing QB is essential, but another way to do that would have been to add a shutdown corner.
The Browns finished last season ranked 14th in sacks and 32nd in Interceptions. Adding a talent like Hunter would have changed that. And then, he’s a great receiver. This is where things get weird for the Browns.
The Browns’ top receiver last season was Jerry Jeudy, who hauled in 90 passes for 1229 yards. Elijah Moore finished the season with 61 receptions for 538 yards. Placing Hunter as the 2nd option would have still come out as a win for the franchise.
Ahhh, this is where they dropped the ball in the 2025 Draft. The Browns had a chance to get one half of the Colorado duo early and select Sanders with either the 33rd or 36th pick to complete the match. However, they went defense again and then took a RB. Hell, even selecting them where they did and adding pieces would have worked for them. But it all begins with Hunter.
I can understand the Cleveland Browns being tied to Deshaun Watson, but are they just saying we have no blueprint or desire to succeed? Watson is not that guy. Anyone with vision can see that. However, due to his contract, the Browns are stuck with him. With his injury, they will put their faith in the hands of Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel.
Think about what the future of the Cleveland Browns could have looked like. A young QB in Shedeur Sanders and 2 young receivers in Jeudy and Hunter. Not only having them locked up for at least the next 4-5 years, but they already have a chemistry most QBs and WRs kill for. They have spent their entire collegiate career together. The ups and downs, the media, the circus, and everything else. They know each other better than Joe Montana knew Jerry Rice or Patrick Mahomes knew Travis Kelce. We’re talking Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase type stuff here.
What the hell is wrong with the Browns? Why can’t they just do anything right for once? They’re stuck with Watson (injured) for the time being, but the truth is, if they can’t move him, they’re better off just letting him sit on the bench. Drafting Sanders was not the wrong thing to do, no matter what the pundits are saying.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns could have changed the course of their franchise. Instead, they’re back to where they were when the season ended–lost.
