Sport

Browns Fielding Trade Calls as NFL Draft Approaches – Will They Stay at No. 2?

2025-04-22

Author: Ken Lee

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Excitement is brewing in Cleveland as the NFL Draft looms large, with the Browns eyeing top prospects like Travis Hunter, the electrifying receiver/cornerback believed to be the standout player in this year's draft. But could the land of opportunity change if they opt to entertain trade offers?

Teams Are Calling – Are the Browns Listening?

According to ESPN analyst Peter Schrager, both the Browns and the Giants—holding the No. 3 pick—are receiving a flurry of calls from teams eager to trade up. Schrager revealed on ESPN’s Get Up, "There have been teams making calls, and those teams (the Browns and Giants) are not immediately slamming down the phone.”

With notable prospects like Abdul Carter and running back Ashton Jeanty also catching the eyes of potential traders, anticipation is high. Teams see a chance to secure these game-changers, prompting them to pursue Jacksonville’s prized spots.

The Potential Twist – Trading Down or Staying Put?

The big question is whether the Browns are inclined to move down from their No. 2 pick. By trading back, they might forsake the chance to grab Hunter, a talent many consider worth two first-round picks due to his unique dual-threat capabilities. Moreover, passing up on edge rusher Abdul Carter—a player who could complement Myles Garrett for years—could have long-term consequences.

QB Considerations and Future Moves

While teams eye Jeanty, the possibility that one could be seeking a quarterback at these coveted spots remains. The Browns seem to have pulled back on the idea of selecting quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 2, but other teams might still have their sights set on him or other passers like Jalen Milroe or Tyler Shough, who the Giants were reportedly scouting.

What’s at Stake?

With the Titans firmly committed to their No. 1 pick—likely quarterback Cam Ward—the equation shifts for the Browns. Reflecting on past trades, it’s crucial that Cleveland differentiates between a scenario of stockpiling picks and missing out on ‘generational’ talent, a mistake they made back in 2016.

Balancing between capitalizing on the draft's depth—where they already have 10 picks, including five in the first 104—and securing essential talent is key. If a potential trade yields high returns next year, the Browns might still entertain it, but not at the expense of losing out on an elite prospect.

Potential Trade Targets and Strategies

Keep an eye on teams like the Saints, who are likely looking for a quarterback solution with Derek Carr potentially sidelined this season. As the draft draws near, will the Browns seize the moment to strengthen their roster at a premium position, or will they trade down, risking the chance to secure elite talent?

One thing is for sure: the drama begins at No. 2 on Thursday night—Cleveland’s decision could shake up the entire draft!