The Cleveland Browns are no strangers to high-stakes draft decisions. Over the past decade, they’ve selected four quarterbacks in the first round, hoping to find the franchise leader who could finally end their decades-long search for stability under center. Now, with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, speculation has reached a fever pitch. Will the Browns secure their future at quarterback, or could they take a completely unexpected route?
Most experts predict Cleveland will go after a quarterback, given Deshaun Watson’s uncertain future. However, longtime Cleveland sports analyst Tony Rizzo has made a stunning claim that goes against conventional wisdom. If his sources are right, the Browns could be preparing to make the most surprising pick of the draft — Colorado’s electrifying two-way star, Travis Hunter.
Why Tony Rizzo Believes in Travis Hunter
Hunter, a dynamic two-way player from Colorado, has been a standout at both cornerback and wide receiver. His unique skill set makes him an enticing prospect, and Rizzo’s confidence in the Browns taking him isn’t without merit. With concerns surrounding Watson’s long-term reliability, Cleveland could choose to strengthen its defense instead of taking another quarterback.
“Based on everything I’ve seen, all the information I have, I think the Cleveland Browns are taking Travis Hunter right now. To me, the elephant in the room is, your offense stinks. And here is a once-in-a-lifetime, two-way star.
“If he contributes on one side of the ball, like I think he can, I’ll be happy with whatever they decide to do with him … Kid can catch anything, anywhere. He knows how to get to the end zone. He knows how to make guys miss.” Rizzo stated.
Hunter’s versatility is rare in today’s game. The last time the NFL saw a player of his caliber was Charles Woodson, who excelled as both a cornerback and a playmaker on special teams. Some scouts even compare Hunter to Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, given his ability to impact both sides of the ball.
Speaking of Deion Sanders, as per PSFN’s latest mock draft from Jacob Infante, Cleveland was projected to select Coach Prime’s son Shedeur Sanders, the talented quarterback from Colorado, as a potential successor to Deshaun Watson. However, Rizzo’s prediction suggests the Browns may pivot in a different direction, opting instead for a defensive playmaker in Travis Hunter. The Browns face a critical decision with their top pick.
Adding another layer to the discussion, oddsmakers currently favor the New York Giants to select Hunter, with a -200 line. This indicates that while Rizzo’s prediction is bold, it diverges from prevailing betting trends.
So, why would Cleveland consider Hunter over a quarterback? The Browns already boast a strong defensive front, but their secondary has had its share of struggles. Adding a player of Hunter’s caliber — someone who can immediately elevate the defensive backfield—would provide an undeniable boost.