### Browns Opt for Consensus Top Player in 2025 NFL Draft, Travis Hunter The Cleveland Browns have made a significant decision regarding their strategy for the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead of trading out of the No. 2 pick, they have chosen to select Travis Hunter, a standout wide receiver and cornerback from Colorado, who is widely regarded as the top player available in this draft class. This decision comes amidst speculation about potential trades and the pursuit of a quarterback, but the Browns have opted to secure Hunter, who is seen as a potential superstar for the franchise moving forward [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/browns-pass-big-trade-take-consensus-top-player-2025-nfl-draft-travis-hunter-nfl-draft/6e5ba495a6665100aac1ac4]. ### Draft Strategy and Predictions 1. **Selection of Travis Hunter**: The Browns are expected to use their second overall pick to select Hunter, who has garnered significant attention for his dual-threat capabilities as both a receiver and cornerback [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/browns_insider_shares_bold_jaxson_dart_nfl_draft_prediction/s1_13132_42048834]. 2. **Quarterback Pursuit**: Following the selection of Hunter, the Browns are likely to attempt to trade back into the first round to secure a quarterback, with Ole Miss's Jaxson Dart and Alabama's Jalen Milroe being the primary targets [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/insider_cites_information_about_browns_making_bold_nfl_draft_move/s1_13132_42035930]. 3. **Trade Speculations**: There are rumors that the Browns may trade with the Atlanta Falcons to move up from their second-round pick (No. 33) to a more favorable position to select a quarterback [https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/04/browns-mock-draft-2025-what-if-cleveland-takes-travis-hunter-at-no-2-ashley-bastock.html]. 4. **Misdirection in Draft Plans**: Some analysts suggest that the Browns' focus on quarterbacks may be a smokescreen, with Hunter being the true target all along [https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/04/smokescreen-season-have-the-browns-quarterback-plans-been-a-misdirection-all-along.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Travis Hunter's Profile**: Hunter is considered a generational talent, with many analysts projecting him as a top pick due to his versatility and performance at Colorado [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/nfl-draft-browns-land-travis-130558605.html]. - **Quarterback Landscape**: The current draft class lacks elite quarterback prospects, which may influence the Browns' strategy to secure a quarterback later in the draft [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/could_browns_pass_on_shedeur_sanders_travis_hunter_and_abdul_carter_during_draft/s1_13132_42025714]. - **Draft Odds**: Betting odds have shifted in favor of the Browns selecting Hunter, indicating a strong consensus among analysts and fans alike [https://nypost.com/2025/04/07/betting/2025-nfl-draft-odds-browns-drafting-travis-hunter-with-no-2-pick-gaining-steam]. ### Conclusion: Browns' Strategic Move In summary, the Cleveland Browns have decided to prioritize the selection of Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that reflects their commitment to building a strong roster. 1. **Hunter's Selection**: The decision to select Hunter is seen as a bold and strategic move, positioning the team for future success. 2. **Quarterback Plans**: The Browns are expected to pursue a quarterback later in the draft, potentially through trades, as they navigate a less-than-stellar quarterback class. 3. **Misdirection Tactics**: The speculation surrounding their quarterback interest may serve as a smokescreen, allowing them to secure Hunter without revealing their true intentions. This approach not only secures a top talent in Hunter but also allows the Browns to remain flexible in their pursuit of a quarterback, setting the stage for a potentially transformative draft [https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/browns-opinion/cleveland-browns-must-take-travis-hunter-at-no-2-and-heres-why].