Mock draft season is in full swing, as all the talk around the NFL media is focused on the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins April 24. With the Titans seemingly set on drafting quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, plenty of analysts are now debating who the Cleveland Browns will take at No. 2.
With several franchise-altering prospects available—like Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders—NFL analyst and draft guru Todd McShay made an appearance on The “Mina Kimes Show” to share who he would take second overall.
McShay Predicts Browns Will Select Travis Hunter
McShay was asked who he’d pick with the Browns’ first-rounder if the choice was between Carter, the edge rusher out of Penn State, or Hunter, the two-way star and Heisman winner from Deion Sanders’ Colorado program.
McShay opened by saying he believes these are the two players Cleveland is choosing between ahead of draft day, which could hint that the Browns will seemingly be moving forward with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco at quarterback for the immediate future given Deshaun Watson’s injury status.
“I believe that they would be in line with the decision that I would make, and it would be Travis Hunter,” McShay said.
“I think Cleveland needs a difference-maker. I would put him on offense, and I would try to develop him in a role on defense, which I know is harder,” he added.
McShay explained that most teams would likely want to start Hunter on defense and moonlight him as a wide receiver. But he thinks the Browns are different. With their defense already one of the best in the league, McShay says Cleveland’s bigger need is for a playmaker on offense—and Hunter fits that bill.
“We know our defense is great here in Cleveland; we know it’s going to be a top-shelf defense. We need someone who can take a three-yard slant and turn it into 25 yards. We need a chunk player; we need someone to light a fire in this offense,” McShay said.
He went on to explain that he has identical prospect grades on both Carter and Hunter, but the Browns’ need for a true difference-maker on offense gives the edge to Hunter.
Hunter Has Franchise-Altering Potential
Hunter’s Heisman-winning season at Colorado showed his elite talent and sky-high ceiling on both sides of the ball, making him one of the most unique draft prospects in recent memory.
His offensive breakout in 2024 added another layer to his game. While no one ever doubted his defensive ability, his ability to produce at a high level as a wide receiver surprised scouts—and now he’s seen as a legitimate two-way threat.
McShay said the Browns have a chance to reshape their franchise if they go all-in on Hunter. He referenced other two-way stars like Champ Bailey, Charles Woodson and Sanders himself before saying Hunter could do something the NFL has “literally” never seen.
If Hunter can play both sides of the ball at a high level, it could change the league forever. If used right, he could be the spark Cleveland needs to build for the future.
Hunter’s jump in offensive production is a big reason he’s currently ranked No. 3 overall in PFSN’s 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
There’s still no clear favorite for Cleveland’s pick. In PFSN’s latest mock draft, the Browns go with Carter, pairing him with All-Pro EDGE Myles Garrett to form one of the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos. In that scenario, Hunter lands at No. 3 to the Giants.
At this point, it’s still anyone’s guess who Cleveland takes with the No. 2 pick. But McShay made it clear—he thinks the Browns need an offensive difference-maker, and he believes Hunter is that guy. We’ll find out soon if the Browns agree.