After three years out of the first-round selection because of their failed Deshaun Watson experiment, the Cleveland Browns knew they required younger talent across the roster. They needed to build towards the future, and so they let Jacksonville move up and select Travis Hunter and, in return, received No. 36, No. 126, and the Jaguars’ 2026 first-rounder. This trade became the story of the night because why would the Browns willingly throw away the chance of drafting someone like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter?

Well, GM Andrew Berry’s priority was to replenish both the offensive and defensive lines, and that need would not end with just one elite selection. So, they traded the second overall pick to the Jaguars in order to get more value. On paper, the Browns’ decision can be defended as a depth-building move, but insiders weren’t buying it. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. warned that passing on an elite dual-threat could prove costly if Hunter pops early with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville’s offense. Internally, the Browns’ gamble has only intensified scrutiny on their rookie class.

Their draft haul included Shedeur Sanders, who now faces the weight of expectations, fair or not, to help validate Cleveland’s draft strategy. The Browns may have passed on Hunter, but they didn’t escape Colorado’s shadow entirely. 92.3 The Fan posted a compelling discussion on YouTube where NFL analyst Aaron Schatz tackled the burning question: Will the Browns live to regret trading away and missing out on Travis Hunter? Schatz opined:

“Oh man, isn’t that a great question? Because who knows? That is one of the great unknowns. If Travis Hunter is a one-way player, then they absolutely made the right trade because they got so much value for that pick.” The Browns flipped the Hunter pick into multiple assets, including Mason Graham, the Michigan defensive tackle viewed as an immediate-impact prospect. So as Schatz noted, “The odds that Travis Hunter as a one-way player, is that much more valuable than Mason Graham — that he’s worth all the picks they got in addition — is just near impossible.” But that’s the catch: Hunter isn’t built like most prospects.

“If Hunter can do this two-way thing and is super special, then we have to have a conversation about it. But I absolutely understand why they [Browns] made the trade,” Schatz said, suggesting that Hunter’s potential two-way abilities in the NFL could make the Browns question their decision.

Hunter was the engine of Colorado’s offense and defense: Logging a staggering 1,356 snaps in 2024, the most in college football, while also excelling at both cornerback and wide receiver. Hunter pulled off 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, and on defense, he recorded 33 tackles, four interceptions, ten pass breakups, and a forced fumble. That two-way dominance is precisely why many believe Hunter could mirror MLB’s Ohtani in football.

While Hunter shows great potential, his Colorado teammate, Shedeur Sanders, has been in limbo with the Browns. The QB reported to camp determined to prove his stock was undervalued while his four-year, $4.6 million contract quietly set the tone. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stocked the room with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders: A crowded house that might not survive past camp.

Shedeur Sanders refuses to let the trade define him

Despite the noise, Shedeur Sanders isn’t backing down. The fifth-round pick released a slick highlight reel ahead of training camp, packed with weight room grinds, field drills, and a self-assured voiceover: “You know, no excuses. I’ll put in the work and do what I have to do. Bout to be time to be legendary, whenever that time is.” It’s the statement of a player fully aware of his underdog label but determined to rewrite the narrative.

Inside the Browns’ facility, Sanders has already earned respect for his hustle. Head coach Kevin Stefanski called him “a very, very hard worker,” last month, praising his consistency in showing up early, staying late, and diving into every detail. Former NFL star LeSean McCoy even compared Sanders’ early habits to a young Tom Brady back in May. Always first in, last out. That’s lofty praise for a rookie, but it reflects the mindset Sanders brings, especially after sliding to the fifth round despite a prolific college run at Colorado under his father, Deion Sanders.

“Life is just based on how you view different things… there’s no excuses because when you get out there, nobody cares how many reps you got… Everybody cares about production,” Sanders said during minicamp. Even with limited reps behind Flacco and Pickett, Sanders’ steady camp performance and refusal to dwell on missed opportunities are earning him real buzz. As the QB race heats up, it’s becoming clear: Shedeur Sanders isn’t just along for the ride. He’s gunning for QB1.