The Cleveland Browns understand they have a rare opportunity to draft a generational talent with the second pick.
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam spoke at the NFL’s owners meeting about the team heading into the draft. Haslam pumped the brakes on the team selecting a quarterback, telling reporters, “It would be great if we could get ‘the quarterback,’ but we're not going to force it. We're going to be patient, and we're going to try to accumulate as many really good football players as we can.”
Acquiring a franchise quarterback is a costly move, as the Haslams have learned. The entire organization, the owner, head coach, and general manager must be in unison when giving the keys to the franchise to a quarterback. They need a cohesive vision on how the quarterback will take them to the Super Bowl and won’t leave them stranded without anything to their name.
The Browns sound like they’re looking toward the future, in 2026, for the franchise's savior. They’ll likely select the best player available with the second pick. The team can’t go wrong by selecting either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter. Hunter is the first multi-hyphenated player since his former head coach, Deion Sanders. Hunter is the best receiver in the draft, and the best cornerback in the draft. He would be a dynamic offensive weapon for a Browns' team desperate for speed and quickness.
Carter is the latest defensive superstar produced by Penn State. Penn State knew he was going to be a monster as they gave him the prestigious number 11 jersey in his freshman year. Carter’s lightning-quick first step is unrivaled in the draft. Carter and Myles Garrett could develop into the greatest pass rush duo in NFL history.The Browns have a chance to draft a Cleveland to Canton player with the second pick. It reminds me of the 2007 NFL draft when the Browns held the third pick and the top three prospects were Joe Thomas, Calvin Johnson, and Adrian Peterson.
Teams can over-draft a quarterback any year, but they can rarely draft a future gold jacket. The Browns understand they have a golden ticket this year.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns owner hints the team won't feel hamstrung into picking a QB
