Fortunately for Baltimore Ravens fans, General Manager Eric DeCosta rarely puts his team at a disadvantage if he can avoid it. The same cannot be said for some other franchises.
When in doubt, the Cleveland Browns are going to Brown. They had one job. After going 3-14 last season, and securing the second overall pick, they had one job: Don't overthink it. Draft best player available and add talent to a team that's one year removed from the playoffs.
It wouldn’t be draft day without a little spice... and boy, there was plenty of it. The rumor mill kicked into overdrive early, and by the time the clock started ticking, one name had taken over the conversation.
Travis Hunter. Who just happens to be the most electric player in the draft.
Cleveland Browns blow perfect opportunity to land generational two-way star Travis Hunter
All the signs were there. Hunter, the most impressive athlete in the class, sitting right there at No. 2. A player who could redefine a defense and take over games on offense. The kind of unicorn prospect you don’t overthink. You turn in the card and build around him.
Instead, Cleveland overthought it. What else is new?
The Browns didn’t just trade out of No. 2. They handed Travis Hunter to a rebuilding Jaguars team led by a first-year GM and a brand-new head coach. Jacksonville is clearly swinging big, trying to change the narrative and give their fan base real hope. Meanwhile, Cleveland stepped back—passing on the most polarizing prospect in the class, all for a couple of extra picks and the chance to draft someone not named Hunter at No. 5.
That might end up being one of the worst draft plays in history when it's all said and done. This was their moment to take control of the draft. Welp, that moment has passed.
We’ve seen this before. The Browns don't know how to get out of their own way. That’s just how it goes. Hunter might end up being the biggest star of this draft—and Cleveland literally handed him over on a silver platter to the Jags.
This is absolutely hilarious for Ravens fans. The Browns had a shot to change the landscape. Instead, they reminded everyone why it never really changes.