The Cleveland Browns recently hosted a visit with quarterback Russell Wilson as their search for a new starter continued into free agency. Aaron Rodgers is deciding between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants (and maybe the Minnesota Vikings). Matthew Stafford, Justin Fields, Geno Smith, and Sam Darnold are already off the board.
The Browns' options are coming off the board quickly, perhaps pushing them toward a quarterback with the second pick.
Pushing back, however, is the opportunity cost atop the draft. The Tennessee Titans are angling themselves toward quarterback Cam Ward. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is the consensus next-best passing prospect, but in a weak quarterback class, taking him means passing on at least one of Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter.
Thus, it's easy to see the Browns ignoring the quarterback position in the first two rounds if they aren't over the moon about any quarterback.
The following mock draft was made using Pro Football and Sports Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 2: Colorado Receiver/Corner Travis Hunter
Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine about Hunter, the two-way phenom who took over college football and is on the fast track to NFL stardom. He said the team feels he's a receiver first, crediting his elite ball skills and how many times the offense can target him, compared to at cornerback where teams will intentionally avoid him.
That also makes sense given the Browns' roster construction. It goes without saying that the offense is holding this team back (largely thanks to league-worst quarterback play). Cleveland might roll into next season with a mediocre veteran, so adding a star receiver alongside Jerry Jeudy adds credibility to the supporting cast.
Hunter doesn't offer a ton of after-the-catch production, but his athleticism, body control, and separation skills are NFL-ready, if not elite, and tantalizing for any team even thinking of passing on him.
Related: Cam Ward Gets Browns NFL Draft Guarantee
Round 2, Pick 33: Ohio State Offensive Lineman Donovan Jackson
Cleveland's biggest needs lie far away from the offensive line, but Jackson's profile makes a strong case to start the second day of the NFL Draft.
Jackson has spent the majority of his time at left guard, but was forced into playing left tackle and excelled in 2024. Paired with a frame and athleticism that supports a move toward the perimeter, he has emerged as a legitimate first-round candidate. Viewed as a top-50 prospect early in the process, adding positional value to his game only adds to the hype.
Multi-possession versatility, a physical presence in the run game, and now proof of concept as a pass protector at tackle make him an intriguing option for a team that will eventually replace one of Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, or Dawand Jones before the start of 2026.
Related: Another Potential Browns Free Agent Quarterback Target Met with Giants
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 11:18 AM.