Browns Set to Break First-Round Silence

Tonight marks a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Browns, who hold the coveted No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft! Fans are buzzing, especially with wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter as the frontrunner to join the team. But wait—will the Browns actually keep this golden opportunity, or are they considering trading it? Only time will tell!

A Long Wait for a First-Round Selection

If the Browns do choose in the first round tonight, it will be their first selection since 2021 when they nabbed cornerback Greg Newsome II at the 26th spot. That’s a staggering gap for a team that has seen its share of ups and downs.

The Price of Deshaun Watson

The elephant in the room? Deshaun Watson. His acquisition cost the Browns their last three first-round picks, all of which Houston flipped for other players. This has raised eyebrows and opened discussions among fans and analysts alike.

Missed Opportunities?

NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno highlighted that the Browns missed out on some potential stars who were drafted where they could've picked. Wide receiver Brian Thomas went to the Jaguars at 23rd overall in 2024, Jahmyr Gibbs was selected by the Lions at 12 in 2023, and defensive tackle Jordan Davis was picked by the Eagles at 13 in 2022. Just imagine having those talented players on the roster!

The Weight of Watson's Contract

The burden of Watson's contract and the draft picks spent are still haunting the franchise, as they gear up for a challenging season without him due to injury concerns. However, optimism reigns with a chance to land a game-changing rookie tonight!