Travis Hunter to Browns? Giants' Draft Strategy Shift

Travis Hunter to the Browns? Draft Rumors Heating Up

With the 2025 NFL Draft just over two weeks away, rumors are swirling about potential selections at the top of the draft. One of the most intriguing rumors to emerge recently involves Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter potentially going to the Cleveland Browns with the second overall pick.

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, there is a "growing belief" among high-ranking NFL executives and coaches that Hunter is the favorite to be selected by the Browns at #2 overall. This comes after the Browns sent a large contingent, including team owner Jimmy Haslam, to Colorado's pro day to get an up-close look at Hunter.

While previous reports had linked the Browns to linebacker Abdul Carter, this new rumor adds another layer of intrigue to the top of the draft. Hunter's unique skillset as both an elite wide receiver and cornerback prospect makes him an enticing option for a Browns team looking to add top-end talent.

Why Travis Hunter Makes Sense for Cleveland

There are a few key reasons why Hunter could be an appealing option for the Browns at #2:

• Elite talent at multiple positions: Hunter has the potential to be an impact player as both a receiver and cornerback in the NFL. His versatility would give the Browns flexibility in how to utilize him.

• Playmaking ability: As the Heisman Trophy winner, Hunter demonstrated game-changing talent at the college level. The Browns need more dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball.

• Marketing appeal: Drafting the reigning Heisman winner would generate buzz and excitement around the Browns franchise.

• Best player available approach: If the Browns view Hunter as the top overall prospect, taking him at #2 would align with a "BPA" draft strategy.

Of course, this could all be a smokescreen as teams try to disguise their true draft intentions. The Browns may still be considering Carter, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, or other prospects with that second pick. But the Hunter rumors add another fascinating wrinkle to the pre-draft speculation.

Giants' Draft Strategy Shifting?

While the Browns rumors are intriguing, the implications for the New York Giants at #3 overall are equally noteworthy. Recent reports suggest the Giants may be shifting away from targeting a quarterback and instead focusing on taking the best player available.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that people who attended Colorado's pro day believe the Giants will select either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter at #3, depending on which player is still on the board. This aligns with other recent reports that New York is comfortable going with the top player available rather than reaching for a quarterback out of need.

Potential Giants Targets at #3

Let's break down the three prospects most commonly linked to the Giants with that third overall selection:

Travis Hunter

Hunter is viewed by many as the top overall prospect in this draft class. His rare combination of elite receiving and coverage skills make him a potential game-changer on either side of the ball. If he somehow falls to #3, it would be hard for the Giants to pass on his talent.

Pros:

• Generational athlete with All-Pro potential at WR or CB
• Would immediately upgrade Giants' passing game and/or secondary
• Versatility to contribute in multiple ways

Cons:

• May not address Giants' need at quarterback
• Some questions about which position he'll play long-term

Abdul Carter

Carter has been frequently mocked to the Giants in recent weeks. The explosive edge rusher racked up 12 sacks and 66 pressures in his first season playing on the edge. He would give New York another dynamic pass rusher to pair with Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Pros:

• Elite athleticism and production as a pass rusher
• Would form a fearsome duo with Thibodeaux
• Addresses need to improve pass rush

Cons:

• May be viewed as a reach at #3 overall
• Doesn't solve quarterback situation

Shedeur Sanders

Sanders has been linked to the Giants throughout the pre-draft process as they search for a franchise quarterback. While recent rumors suggest they may go in a different direction, Sanders remains in play at #3.

Pros:

• Potential franchise QB to build around
• Strong arm and improving accuracy
• High football IQ and pedigree

Cons:

• May need time to develop
• Not viewed as an elite QB prospect by some
• Passing on blue-chip defensive talent

Best Player Available vs. Need

The debate between drafting for need versus taking the best player available is always prevalent leading up to the draft. For the Giants, their glaring need at quarterback has led many to assume they would target that position early.

However, reaching for a quarterback who isn't worthy of such a high selection can set a franchise back years. The Giants experienced this firsthand when they drafted Daniel Jones 6th overall in 2019 out of need.

Taking the best player available, regardless of position, is often the smarter long-term strategy. If the Giants view Hunter or Carter as significantly better prospects than Sanders, it may be in their best interest to add that blue-chip talent and address quarterback later.

There's also the possibility of trading down if the Giants aren't in love with any of the options at #3. Moving back a few spots could allow them to still land a top prospect while accumulating additional draft capital.

Key Factors in Giants' Decision

As the Giants weigh their options at #3 overall, there are several important factors they'll need to consider:

Quarterback Situation

The Giants' current QB room of Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock leaves much to be desired. Jones is coming off another injury-plagued season and may not be the long-term answer. Finding a franchise quarterback remains a top priority.

Roster Needs

Beyond QB, the Giants have needs at wide receiver, offensive line, and edge rusher. Landing an elite prospect at any of those positions would significantly upgrade the roster.

Long-Term Outlook

While there's pressure to win now, the Giants must also consider the long-term implications of this pick. Taking the player with the highest ceiling could pay major dividends down the road.

Coaching Staff Input

Head coach Brian Daboll and his staff will have significant input on which players fit best in their systems. Their evaluation of the prospects will carry a lot of weight.

Trade Possibilities

The Giants should remain open to trading down if they receive an offer that's too good to refuse. Moving back could allow them to address multiple needs.

Draft Day Scenarios

With the draft quickly approaching, let's examine a few potential scenarios that could play out for the Giants at #3:

Scenario 1: Travis Hunter Falls

If the Browns pass on Hunter at #2, it would be very difficult for the Giants to pass on his elite talent. Adding a player of his caliber to either the offense or defense would be a major coup.

Scenario 2: Carter is the Pick

If Hunter is off the board, Abdul Carter could be the selection. Pairing him with Kayvon Thibodeaux would give the Giants a ferocious pass rush duo for years to come.

Scenario 3: Sanders is the Guy

Despite recent rumors, it's still possible the Giants view Shedeur Sanders as their quarterback of the future and pull the trigger at #3.

Scenario 4: Trade Down

If the Giants aren't sold on their options at #3, trading down to accumulate more picks while still landing a top prospect is a possibility.

Final Thoughts

As we enter the home stretch before the 2025 NFL Draft, the speculation and rumors will only intensify. For the New York Giants, the third overall pick represents a critical juncture for the franchise. The decision they make will have major ramifications for years to come.

While quarterback remains a pressing need, the recent shift in draft strategy rumors suggests the Giants may prioritize overall talent over positional need. Whether that means selecting Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, or another top prospect remains to be seen.

What we do know is that Giants general manager Joe Schoen and his staff will have a plan for every possible scenario. Their track record suggests they'll make a well-informed decision based on extensive scouting and evaluation.

For Giants fans, the next two weeks will be filled with anticipation and debate over which direction the team should go. But come draft night, all that matters is adding impact talent to help push this team back into playoff contention.

No matter who the pick ends up being, the 2025 draft figures to be a pivotal moment in Giants' history. The foundation laid with this selection could propel New York back to the top of the NFC East in the coming years.

So buckle up Giants fans - the draft is almost here, and the future of the franchise hangs in the balance. Who will be wearing blue when the dust settles? We'll find out soon enough.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb6Fvbf9piQ