Cleveland Browns fans are buzzing with excitement after NFL draft analyst Todd McShay outlined an intriguing possibility of landing both Colorado standouts Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL draft. With the Browns potentially holding the No. 2 pick, McShay’s analysis suggests a strategic path that hinges on careful resource management.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has reached a critical juncture following Deshaun Watson’s underwhelming performance and season-ending Achilles injury in 2024. Watson’s significant contract carries a $72.9 million cap hit in 2025, severely limiting Cleveland’s options as they search for solutions to their offensive struggles.
Cost Analysis: The Key to Cleveland’s Draft Strategy
McShay’s two-word conclusion, “cost analysis,” perfectly captures the delicate calculation general manager Andrew Berry faces. If the Browns select Hunter at No. 2, they would need to strategically maneuver to acquire another first-round pick or trade up from their existing position to secure Sanders.
Todd McShay in his latest mock has the #Browns selecting Travis Hunter at two, and Shedeur Sanders at 15 in a trade up with the #Falcons: https://t.co/uZIzLyLJ52
— Grant Puskar (@grant_puskar_) April 10, 2025
According to McShay, sacrificing a future first-round pick wouldn’t make sense. “They would’ve just taken Sanders at no. 2 if they liked him that much.” Instead, he suggests “a third-rounder this year and a second next year is reasonable,” given the Browns have an extra third pick (94th overall), providing valuable flexibility in potential negotiations.
The Colorado Connection: Worth Breaking the Bank?
Sanders dominated college football in 2024 by leading the nation with a 74.2% completion rate while throwing for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. His accuracy and composure under pressure make him an interesting fit for coach Kevin Stefanski’s system, which favors traditional dropback passers over mobile quarterbacks.
Hunter’s unmatched two-way excellence earned him the 2024 Heisman Trophy, recording 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns while also tallying 31 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and four interceptions as a cornerback. Hunter’s ability presents unique possibilities for the Browns’ roster construction, particularly for an offense seeking dynamic playmakers.
KEEP READING: Todd McShay Breaks Down Why Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart Could Be Selected Before Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
The chemistry between Sanders and Hunter, developed over two seasons at Colorado, represents a potential solution to Cleveland’s offensive challenges. With Watson’s future clouded by injury and Jameis Winston’s stopgap performance, Berry faces a watershed moment.
His cost analysis will determine whether the Browns secure their quarterback of the future or continue searching. For a team that has only won one playoff game since 2020, landing this Colorado duo could reshape the franchise’s trajectory.
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