Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry surprised those in attendance at a press conference before the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine by revealing the team’s perspective on top NFL Draft prospect Travis Hunter.
How the Cleveland Browns View 2-Way Prospect Travis Hunter
In a video posted on X, Browns GM Berry stated that Cleveland viewed Hunter “as a receiver primarily first”.
Browns GM Andrew Berry says they see Travis Hunter as WR first but what makes him special is he can play CB too. pic.twitter.com/K0AsjxiIqh
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) February 25, 2025
Berry’s position adds a scintillating twist to the ongoing debate about Hunter’s potential role in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan spoke to the press and indicated he sees Hunter as a corner first.
Brian Callahan would start Travis Hunter out at corner. #Titans pic.twitter.com/2ifEPMdAIh
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 25, 2025
Glancing at Hunter’s stats with Colorado, it’s easy to see why Berry and the Browns’ front office would feel Hunter’s best role is on offense.
- As a receiver: 96 catches, 1,258 yards, and 15 touchdowns
- As a cornerback: 36 tackles, 11 passes defended, and four interceptions
Despite Berry’s comments, it’s worth noting that Hunter is officially listed as a defensive back for the NFL Combine, though he is required to choose a specific position and could even work out at both if he would like.
The Browns are $28 million over the salary cap and have little to no wiggle room thanks to Deshaun Watson’s disastrous contract. Restructuring Watson deal’s along with those of Denzel Ward, Jack Conklin, Myles Garrett, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Ethan Pocic could give them $30 million in space. Garrett has demanded a trade, but it would mean a dead cap hit of $36 million for 2025.
Trading corner Greg Newsome II wouldn’t have a dead cap hit and would free up another $13 million that could go towards drafting or signing his replacement, like Hunter.
While the Browns’ defense took a step back in 2024, they still placed ninth on PFSN’s 2024 Defense Rankings. If not for a league-worst offense that placed dead last on PFSN’s Offense+ rankings, the defense could have been a top-five unit as it had been in 2023.
Losing Garrett would be a huge blow for a top-tier defense, but picking up Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter in the draft would help ease the pain. That’s what Joe DeLeone predicts in his 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft.
If the Browns don’t figure out how to fix the offense, drafting Hunter to play receiver feels like a waste of his talents and his time.