The Browns swung big and missed even harder last year. The team had high expectations coming into the year with a healthy Deshaun Watson, offensive weapons like Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, and the same stout defense led by perennial pro bowler Myles Garrett. 

But those goals withered away in dramatic, classic Browns fashion. Deshaun ruptured his achilles early in the season and never found a solid footing on the offensive side of the ball.

However, draft day is when optimism is at its highest. And for Cleveland, there should be reason for optimism. This is a good team with no one to command the offense. While this draft class doesn’t have a lot of elite prospects at the QB position, there are some talented guys who could be solid starters in the league. 

But are the risks worth the reward? If I was in the Browns draft room and had any shred of influence, here is how I would want draft night to go (at least for the first three rounds). For context, I am assuming the Browns do not trade up and stay within their predetermined draft spots. 

Round 1 – Pick 2: Travis Hunter (draft the best fit)

Travis Hunter is a once in a lifetime talent. His two-way ability is well documented, and led to his Heisman trophy selection. And they don’t give out that award out to just anyone. many Heisman winners turn out to be outright stars in the NFL.  

For context, the last 9 Heisman winners are as follows (from most recent to descending order): Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, DeVonta SMith, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, and Derrick Henry. All of those guys are either elite, been elite, or are expected to be elite in the near future. 

While it’s not exactly fool proof, the fact is that Heisman winners tend to be elite players in the NFL. That has to count for something. Travis Hunter also fills two needs for the Browns in that he would be a shutdown corner opposite of Denzel Ward and a secondary or primary option at receiver next to Jerry Jeudy. His talent is insane on both sides. Even if he gets shoehorned into one position (much to the behest of Hunter), he has a high ceiling either way. This is the smartest and safest choice by far.

But why not fill the most needed position and take Shedeur Sanders? The problem is that I see too many red flags with Sanders to justify drafting him at #2. For starters, he has not played for another coach other than his dad, Deion.

Can he handle criticism from coaches and teammates without the protection of his father? How will he react when his opinion no longer carries much weight as a rookie? Given the recent chatter and reports about his arrogance during NFL team interviews, I am skeptical about how coachable he is.

Sanders doesn’t have elite qualities that warrant a top-3 pick (lack of arm talent, athleticism, pocket awareness). To me, These risks outweigh the reward given his potential ceiling. The fact is that there are later round quarterbacks that arguably have more upside than Sanders without potential character issues. 

As for Abdul Carter, I do think he is the better prospect over Travis Hunter. However, edge rusher really isn’t a strong need for a team with Myles Garrett on the roster. Also, edge rushers don’t have the same impact on football games that offensive players do.

Being the unicorn Travis Hunter is, you can expect him to score touchdowns on both sides of the ball. This is why he comes out on top as my choice with the 2nd overall pick.

Round 2 – Pick 33: Jaxson Dart (get your QB1)

Jaxson Dart doesn’t just have a great quarterback name. He can really sling the football. Plus, his ability to move with his legs and his good size for the position make him a special talent. Ironically, a lot of the scouting reports see Dart as the second best quarterback in the draft. 

So why could he slip to round 2? A lot of scouts believe his Ole Miss days didn’t prepare him for pro football. I don’t personally buy this though. Sure, the system he played in gets wide receivers open more often and the reads are easier. But that’s not anything he could control. Additionally, Lane Kiffin introduced a thicker playbook with more west-coast style play calls for Jaxson Dart than he did for previous Ole Miss quarterbacks. That’s a sign that he was more advanced than those guys. 

If Dart does fall to the Browns (or the Browns don’t trade up), this move makes too much sense. If he isn’t available in round 2, I wouldn’t be mad at drafting Jalen Milroe given his incredibly high upside despite the accuracy concerns.  

Round 3 – Pick 67: Quinshon Judkins (select Nick Chubb’s successor)

As a Browns fan, it hurts to even have to write this. But the reality is that Nick Chubb’s best years are far behind him. Can he still contribute to a team as a backup? Sure. Could he change his game and be a fullback-type player? Definitely, especially given his size. But if you’re looking for him to be your primary rusher, you’re asking for him to either get hurt or hurt the team. That’s just the truth. 

So, it’s time to start looking for other options. Judkins gives the Browns a solid running option but also provides a solid receiving threat in the backfield. He has good upside and could be an immediate threat in the backfield along with Jerome Ford. Judkins might not immediately become a star, but he is still a significant boost for the Browns given their lack of depth at the position. 

With the running back position being so undervalued in today’s game, there is a high likelihood that Judkins will still be available in the third round. If still available, the Browns should pounce on a player like Judkins to establish a strong running game. After all, the Browns are at their best when they have one. 

Round 3 – Pick 94 (From Buffalo): Ozzy Trapilo (Get a Big Guy to Protect Your Future)

Jedrick Wills Jr., when healthy, is a solid left tackle. That said, he’s rarely been healthy. With multiple knee surgeries for a guy who is only a fifth-year player, you simply cannot rely on him to be available week after week.

That’s where Ozzy Trapilo comes in. Is he at the same level talent-wise that Wills Jr. was at when the Browns drafted him with the 10th pick in 2020? No. But, he is built for NFL football in the trenches. For starters, he is huge. At 6’8 and 320 pounds, he will have no problem with the physical part of being an NFL lineman. He also has great hands and is able to bully pass rushers that try to overpower him. However, his quickness is a problem that could lead to him getting beat by quicker rushers. 

That said, the Browns have historically had good history developing lineman. With Myles Garrett as his opponent in practice, he will have immediate exposure to elite pass rushing. Whether this makes or breaks his confidence is up to him, but the Browns may feel confident they can develop his fundamentals and lateral quickness to make him a solid starter. Again, this is a position of need. 

Final Thoughts:

The goal for the Browns should be to boost the offense through playmakers and finally slay the beast that is the quarterback position. 

If the draft goes as planned, there is a very real chance the Browns can go from the second worst team to a playoff contender. That might just be my own bias as a Clevelander, but the team has a lot of untapped potential that these young guys may be the key to unlocking. 

Let’s just hope the Browns make sound decisions tonight to maximize their “win now” mentality they have boasted about. Otherwise, we could see another shake up within the organization and be back to square one. In other words, tanking.